PFAS FAQs

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.      

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.

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).

The City began taking a closer look at PFAS in its water supply after the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued updated health advisories for PFAS in June 2022. The City has continued testing, evaluating treatment options and sharing information with the community since then.

In April 2024, the EPA established new, stricter limits for PFOA and PFOS in drinking water. Under those new limits, five of Hastings’ six wells exceed the federal standard of 4 parts per trillion for PFOA and PFOS.

The City is working to address the issue and meet the EPA’s compliance deadline of April 2029.

The City is planning three new water treatment plants to remove PFAS and nitrates from Hastings’ drinking water before it reaches homes and businesses.

The plants will use specialized treatment technologies, including Granular Activated Carbon (GAC) and Ion Exchange, to remove these contaminants.

The first treatment plant is planned for 1292 N. Frontage Road, with construction underway. See the Proposed PFAS Treatment Plants Map for the planned locations of all three facilities.

For more information about the first project, visit the Central Water Treatment Plant and Raw Water Lines project page.

When will PFAS treatment be ready?

The City’s goal is to have all three treatment plants completed by late 2027 or early 2028, depending on funding and construction schedules.

The City evaluated whether participating in the larger PFAS lawsuits would provide meaningful financial support for Hastings' water treatment needs. Based on the information available at the time, the City estimated that Hastings could receive approximately $3-$5 million from the settlements. That would cover only a portion of the estimated $69 million cost of building the treatment facilities, along with approximately $1 million in annual operating costs.

The City also determined that participating in those lawsuits could have affected its ability to pursue other sources of funding for PFAS treatment. 

Instead, Hastings remained part of the 2018 East Metro PFAS Settlement, which provided a potential source of funding for communities addressing PFAS contamination. The City is continuing to pursue available funding opportunities to help offset the cost of treatment. 

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. 

The City is pursuing multiple sources of funding to help cover the cost of PFAS treatment:

• State funding: The City received $17.5 million in bonding funds in the 2026 State Legislative Session.
• State advocacy: The City hired a lobbyist and has been working with the Governor’s Office to advocate for funding support.
• State grants: Hastings is on the State’s Project Priority List and received $5 million for the Central Water Treatment Plant, expecting award for $5 million on the Eastern Water Treatment Plant, and have applied for $5 million toward the Western Water Treatment Plant.
• Federal funding: The City has also applied for available federal funding opportunities.
• MPCA grant: The City received a $3.2 million planning and design grant from the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA).
• Water rates: The City has increased water rates by 10% three times: January 2025, July 2025 and January 2026. Bases on current projections, additional increases are anticipated in the coming years:

  2027: 13%
  2028: 15%
  2029: 13%

  These projected increases are based on the City’s current financial and water system needs and may change as conditions and costs are updated.