Minnesota Officials Lower Chemical Limits in Drinking Water

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) -- Minnesota health officials have lowered exposure limits
for some chemicals that have been in drinking water in the east metro area and
Bemidji.

The chemicals are known as PFOA and PFOS and were used at a 3M manufacturing
site and dumped at sites in Washington County.

State health officials say there's no immediate health threat, but after
reviewing research about the chemicals' effects on fetuses and infants, they
concluded current federal standards don't go far enough to protect infants from
long-term risks.

The new guidelines affect public and private drinking water wells in Bemidji
and in several east metro communities, including Cottage Grove, Woodbury, Lake
Elmo, Oakdale and St. Paul Park. State officials say those cities will take
steps to provide drinking water at or below the new levels.