Florida County Takes Proactive Approach to PFAS

Florida County Takes Proactive Approach to PFAS

Broward County in Florida, home of Fort Lauderdale and Alligator Alley, is proactively assessing its water treatment process with an eye on reducing PFAS levels in its drinking water. The county has enlisted a consultant for a "Water Treatment Impact Assessment," a move that will cost up to $249,284 (because $250k is just too much) and take as long as eight months. The scrutiny on PFAS comes as the EPA is working to establish standards for PFAS in drinking water, proposing to regulate the presence of PFOS in water to 4 parts per trillion, a significant reduction from the current unofficial ceiling of 70 parts per trillion. Despite current PFAS levels in Broward County’s drinking water being within acceptable limits, officials are concerned about future standards compliance. Look for more areas to take a similar proactive approach as they await the EPA's new standards.

EPA Funds Research for Safer Disinfection

In the pursuit of ensuring clean drinking water, the EPA has funded four new research projects focusing on achieving effective water disinfection without producing toxic byproducts, known as disinfection byproducts (DBPs). Like making the perfect PB&J, the challenge lies in finding the right balance– too little disinfection can allow pathogens like Legionella bacteria to grow, while too much disinfection can lead to the formation of DBPs. According to the Environmental Working Group, millions are already drinking water with DBPs above recommended levels. The funded research teams, which received a combined $8.5 million from the EPA, will investigate the perfect disinfection mix.

Oregon's Water Crisis in Spotlight

In a recent Senate hearing, Oregon Senator Ron Wyden drew attention to the nationwide water crisis, citing the problems in rural Oregon as a prime example. He highlighted issues of dry wells and polluted groundwater, stressing the urgent need for more data on water safety and increased funding for rural and tribal areas. Despite the flow of funds for a new $24 million water treatment plant in Warm Springs, significant infrastructure issues remain, making a clear solution seem a bit... murky.

What else is going on:

• WQA launches their PFAS Portal with resources for water treatment professionals

• Pace Analytical Services, a provider of regulatory testing and lab services, announces a new test method for PFAS

• Alamo Water Softeners of San Antonio, TX writes about how pets benefit from soft water