Onalaska approves 2024 Consumer Confidence Report; PFAS, lead-and-copper testing noted

The Board of Public Works and Utilities voted Tuesday to accept and file the City of Onalaska’s 2024 Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) for Onalaska Water Works. The report will be distributed to customers with the July water bill and submitted to the Wisconsin DNR as required by federal law.

Jared Holter, staff member, told the board the CCR is required under the Safe Drinking Water Act and will be mailed with utility bills in July. He said the city is “below MCL for all testing areas” and that PFAS sampling continues; the last sample at Well Number 9 tested below the federal proposed maximum contaminant level, he said, “barely, but we were below.”

Holter told the board that lead-and-copper testing is scheduled for 2026 and that many regulated tests are done on periodic schedules determined by state and federal authorities. He explained that the DNR sends an annual list of required sampling and Onalaska completes those tests as specified.

Board members asked about distribution and public notice. Holter said the CCR in synopsis form will be included in the July bill and that the city currently mails copies; regulatory updates may allow posting to the website and email notification in place of newspaper notices in the future. He also said regulatory changes could require semiannual distribution, but the CCR as presented meets current regulatory requirements.

The CCR includes customer guidance noting that water that has sat in private plumbing for several hours can increase the potential for lead exposure; residents are advised to run cold tap water for about 30 seconds to 2 minutes before using it for drinking or cooking after extended stagnation.

Alder Larry Jurasic moved to accept the CCR and place it on file; Mayor Kim Smith seconded. The motion passed unanimously.