(KNSI) — The City of Waite Park says a recent test of all three municipal drinking water supply wells turned up per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, or PFAS .

PFAS are a large group of human-made chemicals that enter the water system through groundwater and break down very slowly over time. Several PFAS chemicals have been used for decades in many industrial applications and consumer products such as carpeting, waterproof clothing, upholstery, food paper wrappings, personal care products, fire-fighting foams, and metal plating. Health experts say thousands of PFAS chemicals are evolving, making it challenging to study and assess the potential human health and environmental risks. This can also be why the EPA or MDH have not regulated them. They are considered emerging contaminants that may contribute to adverse health impacts with long-term, high levels of exposure.

The sampling was conducted as a voluntary, proactive measure to ensure continued safe drinking water and better understand what emerging contaminants may need to be addressed. A water system or well is not the source of the contaminant.

The city says levels do not violate drinking water regulations, but officials say they are slightly over the levels that exceed the Health Risk Index determined by the Minnesota Department of Health.

The city says it is working with the MDH and “will be setting up a pilot study to determine the best process on how to remove PFAS within our water treatment system. In addition, the city is also working with the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency on determining whether or not a source of the contamination can be verified.”

The MDH says home treatments such as filters containing activated carbon or reverse osmosis membranes effectively remove PFAS from water supplies. Boiling water or using a water softener or an iron filtration system officials say is not effective in removing them.

Click here for suggested ways to reduce PFAS exposure.

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