A $10 million settlement between Wisconsin and Tyco Fire Products over PFAS contamination in the state's water supply has been reached, but some advocates are calling it a 'drop in the bucket' compared to the scope of the problem.

The $10 million toe in the water

The settlement,announced by Governor Tony Evers and Attorney General Josh Kaul, requires Tyco to continue providing replacement wells for clean drinking water and to conduct monitoring and reporting .

The Wisconsin Department of Justice is committed to protecting the public and holding accountable those who endanger the health of Wisconsinites.

PFAS: A ticking time bomb in Wisconsin's water supply

PFAS chemicals,found in firefighting foam and other products,have contaminated the environment and water supply in northeastern Wisconsin,with government estimates suggesting that up to half of all U.S. households have some level of PFAS in their water.

The settlement is a significant milestone in the fight for clean water, but more work remains to be done to address the issue.

What auditors flagged in the May filing

The lawsuit filed by the state against Tyco and more than a dozen other companies over PFAS contamination in Wisconsin remains active.

The lawsuit alleges that Tyco releeased PFAS-containing foam into the environment since 1962, contaminating the soil, groundwater, surface water, and air in the area.

A familiar pattern from the 2019 crash

The state will put the $10 million from Tyco into a trust fund earmarked for PFAS cleanup, and the company will continue to provide for replacement wells, conduct monitoring and reporting, and implement further measures for long-term remediation of the area.

Who is the unnamed buyer?

The agreement is a significant step forward in addressing the PFAS contamination issue in Wisconsin,but more work remains to be done to ensure that Wisconsinites have access to safe and clean drinking water.