Ensuring public drinking water is healthy and safe to drink is an essential role of local governments. The city of Bemidji recently took action to prevent contamination of their water wells through the development of a water treatment plant. In the Duluth News Tribune, the city of Bemidji finalized a settlement with the company 3M Chemicals. This settlement entailed a payment of $12.5 million from 3M to the city to assist with funding the new treatment plant.
For years, 3M has produced chemicals for usage in products like firefighting foams, and in a recent investigation the city discovered that these PFAs have become a dangerous contaminant. Following this discovery, the city of Bemidji pursued litigation against 3M with hopes that it would assist with funding their treatment plant. The plant began development in summer 2020, and the funding from 3M will assist in construction and maintenance. This financial assistance allows the city to proceed with the project without need for the citizens to incur additional expenses. With construction of the facility almost complete, the city of Bemidji can expect safe and clean drinking water soon.
The PIONEER system is the first of its kind whole-house lead, cyst and PFOA/PFOS removal system. Visit the PIONEER system page to learn more.
