PFAS FAQs

Health & Safety

Is my water safe to drink?

For most adults, yes, it’s safe. The risk is low when PFAS levels are near federal limits. But some people—like pregnant women, babies and people with health problems—may be more at risk. If you're worried, you can talk to your doctor. They can help you decide if you should use a filter or drink bottled water.

Is it safe to shower, wash dishes or cook with this water?

Yes. Studies show that PFAS don’t easily get into your body through your skin. That means it’s okay to bathe, wash your hands, clean your dishes and do laundry. But if you’re going to swallow the water—like drinking, brushing teeth or making baby formula—use an alternative or treated water source.

What about PFAS in household products?

Starting in 2025, Minnesota will begin limiting PFAS in certain products. This includes new rules and reporting requirements to protect people and the environment. You can read more on the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency’s webpage on PFAS use prohibitions website.

Can I water my garden with city water?

Yes, you can still water your garden. The Minnesota Department of Health has tips on how PFAS might affect garden produce. Check the Minnesota Department of Health reference sheet on PFAS and homegrown garden produce if you want more information.

Can I eat fish caught in Hastings?

Yes, but follow the latest fish safety advice from the Minnesota Department of Health. Some local fish may have PFAS.  Check the fish consumption guidance for more information.

Short-Term Options

Can I treat PFAS in my home water?

Yes. You can install a filter under your sink (point-of-use) or treat all water in your home (point-of-entry). Look for filters labeled to treat PFOA and PFOS. Make sure they meet NSF/ANSI Standard 53 or 58. Keep your system clean—dirty filters can grow harmful bacteria.

Information regarding home treatment of drinking water can be found at the Minnesota Department of Health PFAS and Home Treatment of Water webpage.

Should I drink bottled water?

That’s your choice. Bottled water is regulated by the FDA. Some brands test for PFAS, but not all. If you choose bottled water, look for brands that follow stricter safety rules, like those in the International Bottled Water Association Fact Sheet.  You can also reference EPA’s FAQ sheet

How can I avoid PFAS in other products?

PFAS can be in items like:

• Non-stick pans
• Stain- and water-resistant clothes or furniture
• Some shampoos, dental floss, nail polish and makeup
• Cleaning products and paints

To lower your risk, choose PFAS-free products when you can. Visit the Minnesota Department of Health PFAS and Health web page.

View a videotaped presentation by Kris Klos and presentation slides by the Minnesota Department of Health to identify additional exposures.                                                                                                                         

Can the city just use different wells to avoid PFAS?

No. All six city wells have PFAS. The water from the wells mixes together, forming a blended system, in tanks before reaching your home. We need all six wells to keep up with demand.

Hastings Water History

How long has PFAS been in Hastings’ water?

We’re not sure. 3M started making PFAS in the 1940s, but testing in Hastings didn’t begin until 2007. In 2011, PFAS started showing up regularly in our tests. (Hastings met MDH guidance at this time and continued to do so until 2024).

When did the city find out PFAS was a problem?

In June 2022, the EPA gave new health warnings about PFAS. That’s when we started looking deeper into it. We’ve shared updates through meetings, newsletters and reports ever since.

In April 2024, the EPA set stricter rules. Now, five of our six wells are over the new safety limit (Four parts per trillion for PFOA and PFOS). We have five years to fix this.

PFAS Treatment Plans

What is the city doing to remove PFAS from drinking water?

We’re planning to build three new water treatment plants. These will clean PFAS from the water before it reaches your home. See Proposed PFAS Treatment Plants Map.

• We’ll use special filters (Granular Activated Carbon and Ion Exchange) to remove PFAS and nitrates.
• The first plant will be at 1292 N Frontage Road and construction started in 2025.
• Visit Central Water Treatment Plant and Raw Water Lines Project for more information.

When will the PFAS treatment be ready?

If funding comes through, all three plants should be done by late 2027 or early 2028.

How We're Paying for This

Why didn’t Hastings join the big lawsuits with 3M and DuPont?

We looked at the numbers. Hastings would’ve only received about $3–5 million from the settlements—but building the treatment plants will cost around $69 million, plus $1 million every year to run them. Joining the lawsuit would’ve stopped us from getting other funding. Instead, we stayed in the 2018 East Metro Settlement, which may cover more of our costs.

Is Hastings getting money from the 3M settlement fund?

Yes, partly. In October 2024, experts found that Well No. 5 is connected to PFAS from the 3M Cottage Grove site. That makes it eligible for about $15 million from the East Metro Settlement. We're still working to show connections between other wells and 3M to get more help.

See MPCA presentation for details. 

How else is the city getting money?

Here’s what we’re doing:

• We asked the state for $20.6 million in bonding funds. The bill passed in June 2025 but didn’t include our project. We’ll try again in 2026.
• We hired a lobbyist to fight for our funding.
• We’re working with the Governor’s Office for special support.
• We’re on the State’s Project Priority List, which qualifies us for grants. We expect $3 million from this.
• We applied for federal funding too.
• We got a $3.2 million planning and design grant from the MPCA.
• In 2025, we raised water rates by 20% to help pay for the Central Water Treatment Plant. More rate increases will help pay for the East and West plants.

Have More Questions or Want to Get Involved?

You can contact City Administrator Dan Wietecha if you want to help or learn more.