Wisconsin Governor Signs PFAS Cleanup Bills

New legislation aims to address widespread contamination in state

Apr. 7, 2026 at 1:34am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A serene, nostalgic painting depicting a lone water tower or well surrounded by warm light and deep shadows, conceptually representing the quiet struggle of communities impacted by PFAS contamination.The signing of new PFAS legislation in Wisconsin aims to provide critical resources for cleanup and support in communities grappling with the widespread environmental impact of these toxic chemicals.Madison Today

Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers signed two bills into law on April 6, 2026 that will direct funding towards addressing PFAS contamination across the state. The new laws will free up trust fund money for cleanup efforts and provide grants to support impacted communities, such as the residents of French Island who have dealt with PFAS in their drinking water since 2021.

Why it matters

PFAS contamination has become a growing public health concern in Wisconsin and across the country, with the chemicals found in drinking water, soil, and even food. The new legislation is an important step in Wisconsin's efforts to address this issue and provide resources to communities grappling with the environmental and health impacts of PFAS exposure.

The details

The two bills signed by Governor Evers will direct funds from the state's environmental remediation and stewardship trust funds towards PFAS cleanup efforts. The legislation will also establish new grant programs to support impacted municipalities, private well owners, and fire departments in addressing PFAS contamination. Governor Evers visited the French Island community in Campbell, Wisconsin after signing the bills, meeting with residents whose water has been affected by PFAS since 2021.

  • On April 6, 2026, Governor Evers signed the two PFAS-related bills into law.
  • PFAS contamination was first detected in the drinking water of French Island residents in 2021.

The players

Gov. Tony Evers

The Governor of Wisconsin who signed the two bills into law to address PFAS contamination across the state.

Lee Donahue

Supervisor for the Town of Campbell, where French Island is located, who spoke about the PFAS issue before the governor signed the bills.

Peter Davison

A resident of French Island whose family's water was contaminated with PFAS in 2021.

Audra Davison

Peter Davison's wife, whose family was impacted by the PFAS contamination on French Island.

Michelle Bartsch and Lynn Bartsch

French Island residents who built raised garden beds to restart their garden after PFAS was detected in their water in 2021.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee

What’s next

The new PFAS legislation will provide funding and resources for cleanup efforts across Wisconsin, with a focus on supporting impacted communities like French Island. State officials will work to distribute the grants and oversee the implementation of the new programs in the coming months.

The takeaway

The signing of these PFAS-related bills represents an important step forward in Wisconsin's efforts to address the growing public health and environmental crisis caused by these toxic chemicals. By dedicating funding and resources towards cleanup and support for affected communities, the state is taking meaningful action to protect its residents and natural resources.