Broward County has recently discovered the presence of toxic chemicals in its water.
This revelation came to light following a review by Broward Commissioner Mark Bogen.
This challenge in Broward County is reflective of a broader national concern the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is currently grappling with.
PFAS: Ubiquitous and alarming
The substances in question, known as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), often receive the ominous moniker “forever chemicals.”
A multitude of chemicals fall under the PFAS category, and they are ubiquitous in everyday products.
According to reports, they are present in items used for cleaning, packaging, and cooking, among others.
While research on the long-term impacts of PFAS exposure is ongoing, reports revealed that preliminary studies suggest links to grave health complications, including cancer.
Public health concerns
The pressing concern is the potential threat to public health. Bogen emphasized the importance of public awareness about their drinking water’s quality and its contents.
As part of the county’s proactive approach, officials tested tap water samples from six Broward County cities.
When juxtaposed with two county samples and several branded bottled water samples, the tap water from the cities showed traces of PFAS, whereas the bottled water remained uncontaminated.
Regulation and standards
The EPA has proposed a threshold for two particular PFAS compounds, PFOA and PFOS, capping them at four parts per trillion.
This is essentially the most minuscule level they can reliably detect.
Reports are that the tap water samples from Broward cities surpassed this limit. The EPA has recognized that a substantial portion of the U.S. tap water contains these chemicals, prompting a move towards more stringent regulations.
A proactive response
Anticipating future regulations, Broward County officials are charting a course to comply with the expected mandates.
While awaiting more comprehensive federal guidelines and ongoing studies, they acknowledge the issue’s severity.
Commissioner Bogen points out potential remedial measures like reverse osmosis as a method to decrease PFAS levels in the water.
In agreement, Broward County Mayor Lamar Fisher iterated that retrofitting water plants might be an inevitable step to ensure the water’s safe treatment.
