The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services has announced it will be retesting wells in Alpena for PFAS chemicals.
PFAs, or perfluoroalkyl substances, are a family of chemicals found across the state and linked to health problems including cancer.
The state last tested wells in 2017. Then, 31 wells tested between non-detect and 70 parts per trillion, which is the federal threshold for action.
Lynn Sutfin is with the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services.
“This is an opportunity to see what has happened since then,” she said. “Have the levels decreased have they increased.”
Sutfin said letters have been sent out to roughly 150 homes to let them know of the testing.
“This is an opportunity to get more data on PFAs in this area. And to determine whether there are changes that need to be made in the approach right now whether somebody needs a filter, doesn’t need a filter, or perhaps need to be hooked up to municipal waters.”
Sutfin said the department does not expect to find changes in PFAs levels.
The testing is offered free of charge.