The state of Wisconsin has taken a significant step forward in the fight against per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), after Governor Tony Evers signed two pieces of legislation releasing more than $133 million to address contamination in public and private water supplies.
The funding, originally allocated at $125 million in the 2023–25 state budget, grew to $133.5 million as interest accrued over several years of legislative deadlock. The bills, now enacted as 2025 Wisconsin Acts 200 and 201, represent the culmination of a three-year process and passed both chambers of the state legislature unanimously.
Under the new laws, approximately $80 million will be directed to a community grant programme supporting local authorities in remediating PFAS-affected areas. A further $35 million will expand the Well Compensation Grant Programme, which helps homeowners and businesses with private wells secure safe drinking water. The scheme has also been broadened to cover non-community water supplies, schools and childcare facilities. An additional $5 million will be available for public airports.
The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) will receive ten new positions and $1.3 million to support its expanded responsibilities. Grants are expected to become available to communities in the summer or fall of 2026.
The legislation also introduces liability protections for farmers, landowners and fire departments who discover PFAS contamination on their land without having caused it.
Governor Evers described the occasion as historic, stating that "today the people of Wisconsin can begin to have PFAS-free water."
