On November 6, 2020, the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (WDHS) provided recommendations for setting groundwater quality standards for 22 substances that pose a health risk. Sixteen of the 22 substances are per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) chemicals and six are pesticides. These substances were selected from a list of 40 substances that were under review since April 2019. The remaining 18 substances from the initial list are not recommended for standard setting, partially due to lack of health effects data, so they may potentially be regulated in the future. The rationale for selecting the 22 substances is detailed in a report by the WDHS titled Summary and Scientific Support Documents for Cycle 11 Recommended Groundwater Standards. The next step will be for the state Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to propose a rule to incorporate these recommendations into law. Darsi Foss, Environmental Management Division Administrator for the DNR, is quoted as saying “We look forward to involving the public in the scientifically rigorous review of available technical information that will ensue within the rulemaking process.” More information about the groundwater quality standard review and rulemaking process is available HERE on the DHS website.