Gov. Evers approves emergency rule to combat lead poisoning

Governor Tony Evers approved a new emergency rule Tuesday to combat lead poisoning statewide. The emergency rule from the Department of Health Services lowered the lead poisoning threshold to 3.5 micrograms per deciliter (µg/dL). The change makes more families eligible for lead poisoning and intervention resources, the governor’s office explained. He also directed $5 million of federal funds to support the expanded Well Compensation and well Abandonment Grant Program. The program was created in 2022 to increase clean drinking water expanding eligibility to those facing PFAS contamination in their wells. Governor Evers’ budget 2025-27 allots $6.2 million to increase grants to local health department in order to help lead poisoning intervention and response.