Stella, Wisconsin Wells Show Some of Nation’s Highest PFAS Levels; Sludge and Paper Mill Implicated

In Stella, Wisconsin, residents who rely on private wells discovered that their groundwater contains some of the highest measured levels of PFAS in the United States. State testing that began in 2022 revealed widespread contamination, leaving families worried about health risks, food safety and the future of their properties.

What The Tests Found

By June 2025, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) had sampled 241 wells within a three-mile radius of Stella. Of those wells, 127 returned detectable PFAS results and 88 exceeded Wisconsin Department of Health Services drinking-water standards. Several wells registered more than 35,000 parts per trillion (ppt) of combined PFOA and PFOS — levels among the highest reported in the nation.

Source And Investigation

A later DNR site inspection traced the contamination to sludge that had been spread on farm fields beginning in the 1980s. That sludge reportedly included waste from the City of Rhinelander and material from a nearby paper mill now owned by Ahlstrom Rhinelander LLC. State officials have linked the production of PFAS-treated greaseproof paper — commonly used for microwave popcorn bags and similar products — to at least part of the contamination associated with the mill.

Health And Community Concerns

PFAS, often called “forever chemicals,” resist environmental breakdown and can persist in water, soil, fish and wildlife for years. Research ties PFAS exposure to serious health problems, including kidney and testicular cancer, thyroid disorders, immune dysfunction, elevated cholesterol and complications during pregnancy. In rural communities such as Stella, private wells are common and typically are not regulated like public water systems; homeowners often shoulder the cost and logistics of testing and treatment.

Residents say the impacts reach beyond drinking water. Concerns include the safety of local fish and deer, the potential for contaminated groundwater to affect crops, gardens and livestock feed, and the long-term effect on property values and family lands.

“Now, when people turn on their faucet, if they haven't had their water tested, they wonder what's in there,” said William Casey Crump, chairperson of the Stella town board.

“My sons and their families are going to inherit this place when I pass and I don't like the idea of the lake being contaminated for fishing, swimming and sports,” said resident Tom LaDue.

State And Local Response

State and local responses are underway but many residents say action has been too slow. Ahlstrom began providing bottled water to homes within a three-mile radius of Stella. Wisconsin Acts 200 and 201 allocated $133 million for PFAS testing and remediation, and the state expanded the Well Compensation Grant Program to help homeowners install treatment systems.

The DNR has increased sampling and tightened PFAS monitoring requirements in sludge permits. Critics argue the new rules are too narrow because they focus primarily on two chemicals, PFOA and PFOS, and they are concerned that land application of sludge has not been fully prohibited.

What Residents Can Do

Public-health officials recommend that residents use certified testing to determine PFAS levels in well water and consult state resources for guidance on filtration, alternative water supplies and grants. Those affected should monitor official DNR and Wisconsin Department of Health Services updates and consider professional advice for long-term remediation options.

Bottom line: Stella faces a long-term contamination problem with significant health, environmental and economic consequences. State funding and corporate assistance have begun, but residents and advocates say more comprehensive rules and faster action are still needed.