Merrill Area Public Schools

Drinking Water Advisory

The Merrill Area Public School District was recently notified by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) that water samples taken on June 5, 2024, at Pine River School for Young Learners (PRSYL) indicate the continued presence of PFAS that exceeds the Wisconsin Department of Health Services recommended health guidelines.  Water that contains PFAS that exceed recommended health guidelines, while considered safe for cleaning, handwashing, etc., is not recommended for drinking or other direct consumption. MAPS is taking this finding and report seriously and will continue to take the following voluntary actions to ensure that our staff, students and families are safe at PRSYL: MAPS will continue to supply bottled water to PRSYL for all drinking, brushing of teeth etc., All meal preparation that requires the use of water will be done in the Merrill High School kitchen and will be transported to PRSYL, Ongoing water testing, with support of the DNR, will take place each quarter, We continue to explore the feasibility of short term alternatives to bottled water including point-of-use water treatment solutions, And we continue to work with the...