Broward County to test drinking water for ‘forever chemicals’
Broward County, Florida – In an effort to maintain the transparency and safety of their drinking water supply, residents of Broward County may soon have access to more comprehensive data regarding water contamination.
During their recent meeting, the county commissioners agreed upon an initiative to conduct tests for Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS), often referred to as “forever chemicals,” at two major water treatment facilities.
The action comes in the wake of the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) March announcement, proposing a stringent limit of four parts per trillion for PFAS in drinking water, which has drawn the attention of communities across the country.
This initiative was championed by Commissioner Mark Bogen who highlighted the lack of awareness surrounding potential risks in our daily consumption of water. “Every day you and I drink water and we don’t know whether it can cause harm,” he emphasized.
Bogen cited a recent study conducted by scientists at Florida International University (FIU), which found elevated levels of PFAS in the water at Dania Beach. “This isn’t just Dania and PFAS can cause cancer, disease and so many problems,” he cautioned.
The commissioners engaged in a detailed dialogue around this matter. Commissioner Michael Udine voiced his concern, asking, “It’s in every product. It’s in the sludge. You are gonna find it but what does it mean?” Meanwhile, Commissioner Hazelle Rogers asserted the importance of public disclosure, stating, “I think the public wants to know and they should know. We are here to make the tough decisions.”
Broward county resident Shannon Harrison expressed his relief upon hearing the decision to test the water for PFAS at the county’s treatment plants. He voiced his support saying, “tap water isn’t what it once was, so I’m in favor.”
The commissioners have decided to deliberate further in June, at which point they will decide upon the necessary steps should the detected PFAS levels exceed the acceptable range.
