Pete Pfankuch – Letter to Editor

I read the article “Mike Kowalski Pleased With Deep Well Process”. The real question is will he and his wife or anyone else be pleased for the next 20 years or beyond?  Are they going to keep testing all the deep wells regularly in case the PFAS spread into the layers the deep wells use to supply water? The whole article is really his opinions and has few if any facts used to back it up. For instance he said few wells are effected.  Here are the PFAS numbers from the DNR as of 11/22/22.  587 drinking water wells are available (tested).  PFAS greater than the recommend standards were detected in 70 wells. PFAS was detected (but levels were below recommended standards) in 395 wells.  PFAS were not detected in 122 wells. So quick math tells me 79% have some level of PFAS so far.  That to me is a majority of the wells. Makes me wonder where he got the background information for all the claims he makes.

We live in an area near a couple of the fields where Marinette spread their toxic sludge long ago.  So we are drinking and using the free bottled water for cooking also. We paid to have one well tested (we have three).  I do not want to keep paying to test my wells. I wish municipal water was an option. Cities and many counties in southern states have huge water systems or districts. Theirs work. We have had a reverse osmosis system and water softener for a long time. The 5 gallon jugs and dispenser are a bit of a pain in the back. Literally. Especially for older people and/or the handicapped. Culligan does a good timely job of swapping the empty for full jugs.

If the Town of Peshtigo goes with a municipal system all the tax payers will likely be a part of it financially eventually no matter the source of the water. Good luck fighting the town government or city government if you are annexed. 

Please understand that I think the water situation really sucks.  Often times the first solution is not the best. Haste makes for waste. They got to have it now without waiting mentality is why the world has many problems I feel. The Town of Peshtigo should be investigating doing water, natural gas and fiber or cable for internet all at the same time. Town of Peshtigo could become a great town for safe water, up to date utilities and schools.  Assuming all the money they are spending on the schools improves the learning. A municipal water system will improve the water guaranteed.  A deep well is yet to be determined long term.

Sincerely,
Pete Pfankuch