After concerns were raised over the city’s Southeast Farm spray field polluting water supplies in Woodville, city staff concluded that the field isn’t the main threat to the water quality and that the county-run landfill might be a greater concern.
A group of citizens and scientists were worried that the elevated levels of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), which are better known as “forever chemicals,” found in private wells was a result of the farm spraying wastewater. The group requested a treatment system be added to the city’s wastewater facility to combat this.
To do such a thing, however, would cost “hundreds of millions of dollars,” Environmental Services Director Alissa Meyers said. But based on a recent study the city conducted, there’s no need to consider taking this step.
“I’m happy to report, the news is good,” Meyers said at the May 13 city commission meeting. “The results demonstrate that our treated wastewater has PFAS levels well below the latest federal drinking water standard.”
What did the city’s study find?
PFAS is measured in parts per trillion (ppt), and 1 ppt is equal to a single drop in 20 Olympic-sized swimming pools, she explained. The city’s untreated wastewater at the facility measured 1.3 ppt and 2.8 ppt for two types of PFAS; and the treated wastewater that’s sprayed at the farm measured 2.2 ppt and 2.3 for the two types.
The new federal drinking water standard that is anticipated to be set in 2029 is 4 ppt.
“I can clearly say that the City of Tallahassee is not a significant contributor to the levels of PFAS that are being found in central Woodville,” Meyers said.
City Commissioner Dianne Williams-Cox said she’s happy to hear this because it “was concerning” to think the city was the culprit. Williams-Cox confirmed her understanding that the landfill was a bigger contributor and that it’s owned by the county.
Meyers’ presentation reported that the landfill measured 820 ppt and 160 ppt for the two types of PFAS. Laundry services and car washes were other top PFAS contributors, but significantly lower levels than the landfill.
“Have these comments been made to the county?” Williams-Cox asked. “We know there’s an issue in Woodville, which is in the county.”
She said both local governments needed to be involved in finding a solution.
City Commissioner Jeremy Matlow said the issue is serious and the city needs to be dedicated to finding the definitive PFAS source causing the elevated levels in Woodville residents’ drinking water.
“At the end of the day, there are people with not a lot of money who can have really serious health conditions and hazards if local governments don’t act,” Matlow said. “I’m glad we are leading on this.”
Is Tallahassee’s drinking water safe?
The city’s survey of all its wells in April show that its public drinking supply is “clean and safe,” Meyers said.
All of the wells, except for the Woodville well, met the standard. And even though the Woodville well showed elevated PFAS levels, it was down a few points from the last study the city conducted in July 2024.
Meyers said the city will continue to routinely study its water supply, and the next survey is scheduled for October.
How do I know if my water has PFAS?
The Florida Department of Health offers free water testing. If interested, residents are encouraged to call the department at 850-895-8360 to schedule a water test.
Anyone who has elevated PFAS levels detected in their well can receive a free filter from the Florida Department of Health, provided by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s program.
Elena Barrera can be reached at ebarrera@tallahassee.com. Follow her on X: @elenabarreraaa.
This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: City finds spray field isn’t main cause of PFAS in Woodville water
Reporting by Elena Barrera, Tallahassee Democrat / Tallahassee Democrat
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