Tallahassee staff says wastewater study shows low PFAS in city effluent; residents press for more testing of private wells

A city presentation and months of testing gave Tallahassee commissioners reason for cautious relief on May 13, as environmental services staff said recent wastewater and groundwater sampling found treated city effluent and most public‑supply wells well below proposed federal drinking‑water thresholds for PFAS.

"Our treated wastewater has PFAS levels well below the latest federal drinking water standards of 4 parts per trillion," Alyssa Myers, the city's environmental services director, told the commission. Myers also reported that sampling of industrial inputs identified the landfill leachate as a major PFAS contributor to the sewer system, with leachate tests showing markedly higher concentrations than other sources.

The presentation summarized a multi‑part study: influent and effluent sampling at the TP Smith wastewater plant, testing of industrial contributors (laundromats, car washes, landfill leachate), groundwater monitoring at the Southeast Farm spray field, and April 2026 testing of the city's public supply wells. Myers said most public wells met the proposed federal standard; the Woodville well (Well 33) tested at 7.5 parts per trillion for PFOS, down slightly from prior tests, and the city has a pilot to identify a treatment option for that well.

Independent researchers and residents urged further work. "There is PFAS contamination of private drinking water wells in Woodville," Dr. Ron Saff told the commission, summarizing private sampling his group delivered to the Florida Department of Health. He said some private wells and surface samples near Wakulla Springs showed elevated PFAS and asked the city to commission or support further hydrogeologic studies to identify sources.

Jackson Nolder, who identified himself as a trained chemist, said the city's presentation lacked a systematic flow‑study tying the spray fields to affected private wells and urged a more detailed groundwater transport analysis. "This is not a good test to understand where PFAS are or aren't coming," he told commissioners.

City staff and commissioners emphasized coordination with state agencies. Myers said the Department of Health is offering free private‑well testing in Woodville and that the Department of Environmental Protection provides free filters for homes with elevated results. "If any of their water is elevated, DOH provides free filters," she said, supplying a DOH contact number.

Commissioners asked for next steps and further collaboration with Leon County, DEP and DOH. Several members noted that while the city is "a passive receiver" of PFAS entering its system, the new testing helps target follow‑up work and regulatory engagement. The commission voted to accept the staff update and directed continued monitoring, public communication and coordination with state agencies.

What comes next: staff said it will continue regular testing (next round scheduled for October 2026), complete the Woodville well pilot study to select a treatment system, and work with DEP and county partners on any further source delineation or remediation options. Residents with questions about private‑well testing were directed to call the Florida Department of Health at (850) 895‑8360.

Sources and attribution: reporting is based solely on testimony and materials presented to the Tallahassee City Commission on May 13, 2026, including remarks by Alyssa Myers and public comments from Dr. Ron Saff and Jackson Nolder.