Our Mission
Our Mission is to educate and advocate for clean, safe water in the surrounding communities of North Eastern Wisconsin and the U.S.
The History Behind S.O.H2O
In late 2017, private well testing in the Town of Peshtigo, conducted by Tyco/Johnson Controls, revealed that PFAS contamination had impacted numerous wells. This contamination originated from Tyco/Johnson Controls’ Fire Technology Center in the City of Marinette. Initially, a group of residents from the Town of Peshtigo, calling themselves Concerned Friends and Neighbors, gathered to discuss how to respond to the unsettling news that their drinking water had been unknowingly contaminated for years.
In 2018, the group formally organized as S.O.H2O – Save Our Water – expanding their efforts to include both the Town of Peshtigo and the City of Marinette. They recognized the need for local education and advocacy to keep the community informed and to pressure the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to hold Tyco/Johnson Controls accountable for the harm caused. In early 2019, the DNR and Tyco/Johnson Controls held a joint public meeting at the Embers Supper Club to update residents. During this meeting, it was publicly disclosed that contaminated biosolids from the Marinette Wastewater Treatment Plant had been spread on agricultural fields across Marinette County. Roughly a month later, S.O.H2O held its first public meeting at Marinette High School, presenting information they had gathered from public sources while DNR representatives attended to listen.
Since then, S.O.H2O has been actively involved in advocating for PFAS regulation and educating the public on a statewide level. Their contributions include helping to draft the original CLEAR Act legislation and a compromise bill with Sen. Hansen and Rep. Nygren, supporting the modified Act 101 firefighting foam bill, and speaking at various DNR and legislative hearings. S.O.H2O steering committee members are also frequently invited as speakers at Wisconsin conferences and serve as media contacts for state and national press covering PFAS-related issues.
In 2023, S.O.H2O became a Wisconsin Non-Stock Corporation, and in March 2024, it was officially recognized as a 501(c)(3) charitable organization by the IRS. The current Board of Directors includes Jeff Lamont, Kayla Furton, Doug Oitzinger, Cindy Boyle, Chuck Boyle, and Trygve Rhude.
S.O.H2O Founders
Our organization was built by a dedicated group of individuals who share a common passion for ensuring clean, safe drinking water for all. These visionaries recognized the urgent need for advocacy and education around water quality issues, and together, they formed this nonprofit to drive meaningful change. Their combined expertise and commitment continue to guide our mission, ensuring a healthier future for North Eastern Wisconsin and beyond.
