What are perfluoroalkyl (PFAS)- and polyfluoroalkyl substances? (PFOS)
PFAS are manufactured chemicals that have been used in industry and consumer products since the 1940s. Because of their widespread use and their ability to remain in the environment, many PFAS are found in the soil, water, plants, and animals all over the world.1 There are thousands of different PFAS, some of which have been more widely used and studied than others. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is focused on studying a small number of these compounds, two of which are perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS).
For additional health information, please call the Florida Department of Health at 850-245-4240 or visit online at https://www.epa.gov/pfas/pfas-explained
What is being done to regulate PFAS?
In April 2024, EPA established the National Primary Drinking Water Regulation (NPDWR) in efforts to enhance public health protection. The new regulation sets the maximum allowable levels for two highly researched substances in drinking water - PFOA and PFOS - at 4 parts per trillion (ppt), as determined by the EPA. Additionally, three other common PFAS will have a limit of 10 parts per trillion, whether measured individually, combined, or in conjunction with an unregulated chemical.
What is the City of Pompano Beach Utilities doing?
The City of Pompano Beach's water meets all current State and Federal requirements. At the heart of our mission is the commitment to deliver reliable and sustainable utility services that meet the needs of our customers. We have been proactive in the steps we have taken, including testing our facilities for some of the “forever chemicals” beyond the required testing to understand what steps need to be taken for the proposed future regulations.
Water utilities do not use or create PFAS chemicals; instead, they offer cost-effective and innovative solutions to meet all state and federal requirements for safe drinking water compliance.
The City of Pompano Beach Utilities Department is currently:
- Conducting research to determine the best course of technology for removal of these chemicals.
- Taking part in a lawsuit against the manufacturers of these chemicals to assist with offsetting the cost of new treatment facilities.
- Planning expansion of the new membrane water treatment plant (for the removal of PFAS/PFOS) to replace the existing aged conventional lime softening plant.
- Applying for and receiving grants to assist with the cost of new facilities. To date, the City of Pompano Beach Utilities has received $9.56 million for the research and design of the new treatment plant.
