Tammy is dedicated to addressing the contaminants and forever chemicals such as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) that have appeared in far too many communities’ water systems.
Work to ensure every Wisconsin community has access to clean and safe drinking water, including addressing contaminants such as PFAS.
Occurrences
Evidence
Sen. Tammy Baldwin announced she helped bring $119.6 million to Wisconsin from federal Drinking Water and Clean Water State Revolving Funds (Bipartisan Infrastructure Law) to replace lead service lines, address PFAS and other contaminants, and support local water infrastructure projects.
The U.S. EPA finalized a National Primary Drinking Water Regulation for multiple PFAS on April 10, 2024, setting enforceable MCLs (e.g., 4 ppt for PFOA and PFOS) and announcing funding (via the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law) to help states and water systems test for and treat PFAS contamination.
Assessments
The claim is broad—guaranteeing every Wisconsin community clean, safe drinking water including addressing PFAS. Evidence shows substantial, concrete progress during Baldwin’s Senate term: the EPA finalized a national PFAS drinking-water rule (with enforceable MCLs and implementation funding) in April 2024, and Senator Baldwin announced securing about $119.6 million in federal DWSRF/CWSRF funding for Wisconsin to replace lines and address PFAS and other contaminants. Those actions materially advance the stated goal and reflect active effort by the senator, but they do not by themselves guarantee that every Wisconsin community now has safe drinking water—implementation, distribution of funds, remediation timelines, and remaining local contamination issues mean the promise remains only partly fulfilled.