Our view: More research needed on chemical in drinking waterWe
were a little naive one year ago when we first learned that much
of south Washington County’s drinking water contained a newly
detected chemical. We were a little naive one year ago when we
first learned that much of south Washington County’s drinking
water contained a newly detected chemical. Little was known
about the 3M-manufactured chemical, perfluorobutanoic acid
(PFBA), and it would take some time to study whether it was safe
to consume, officials said. That seemed reasonable. We’re not
scientists, but we understood that they needed to set up
experiments and gather data. After that, we expected them to
return with a definitive answer on what the chemicals do and how
they affect people. Then the Minnesota Department of Health
would use that research to give us a number that would tell
people whether their water was safe to drink without a filter.
We would reach a place where south Washington County residents’
questions would have answers base