Utilities pilot PFAS treatment plan ahead of new EPA standards

The City of Fort Lauderdale is taking proactive steps to address emerging water quality standards concerning PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) as discussions unfolded during the Infrastructure Task Force Advisory Committee meeting on May 5, 2025. The committee emphasized the need for a pilot program to assess the current water treatment capabilities and determine necessary adjustments to meet the new federal standards.

Currently, the existing agreement regarding water treatment does not explicitly mention PFAS, leaving the project company without obligations to meet these standards. However, the committee is moving forward with a PFAS pilot study to evaluate the effectiveness of the current treatment plan and explore additional measures if required. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has recently finalized a rule setting a limit of four parts per trillion for PFAS, but the implementation of this standard is under scrutiny due to ongoing legal challenges and a lack of sufficient health data.

Committee members expressed concerns about the financial and operational burdens placed on water utilities to comply with these stringent regulations, especially since many utilities, including those in Fort Lauderdale, do not produce PFAS but are tasked with removing it from the water supply. The discussion highlighted the need for federal support and funding to assist utilities in meeting these new requirements, which are seen as unfunded mandates.

The pilot program, set to begin in September, aims to test different treatment methods, including nanofiltration and ion exchange resins, to determine their effectiveness in reducing PFAS levels. The committee acknowledged that while the current treatment design may not fully meet the new standards, there is potential for optimization through testing and adjustments.

As the city prepares for the upcoming challenges, the committee remains committed to ensuring safe drinking water for its residents while navigating the complexities of regulatory compliance and technological limitations. The outcomes of the pilot study will be crucial in shaping Fort Lauderdale's approach to PFAS treatment and compliance by the 2027 deadline.