Swanson looks into chemicals found in drinking water in the east metro

Cottage Grove water
A water tower in Cottage Grove, where chemical contaminants have been detected in the city's water supply.
MPR Photo/Melanie Sommer

Debate continues over the safety of drinking water in the east metro, after a new kind of chemical known as PFBA, was detected in the city wells of Woodbury, Cottage Grove, Hastings, St. Paul Park, Newport and South St. Paul.

The substance is one of a family of perfluorochemicals once made by 3M at its facilities in the east metro.

Detection of the chemicals in water supplies in the east metro, has sparked legislative hearings.

Minnesota Attorney General Lori Swanson is now looking to get more information about the chemicals to determine if any legal action should be taken. She spoke with MPR's Cathy Wurzer.

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