Subject:
Title
Presentation regarding PFAS Chemicals in Drinking Water - District 1
End
Fiscal Impact:
NA
Dept/Office:
District 1
Requested Action:
Recommendation
Presentation to the Brevard County Commissioners regarding PFAS chemicals in drinking water
End
Summary Explanation and Background:
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a large class of man-made chemicals that have been widely used in industrial processes and consumer products since the mid-20th century. PFAS are valued for their resistance to heat, oil, water, and chemical breakdown; however, these same properties cause them to persist in the environment and accumulate in groundwater and the human body over time. For this reason, PFAS are often referred to as “forever chemicals.”
Scientific research over the past two decades has increasingly linked certain PFAS compounds to adverse health outcomes, including impacts on the immune system, thyroid function, cholesterol levels, kidney and testicular cancers, and developmental effects in infants and children. Unlike many other environmental contaminants, PFAS do not readily break down or flush out of the body, and even low-level, long-term exposure, particularly through drinking water, can contribute to cumulative health risk.
PFAS contamination in drinking water most commonly originates from legacy sources such as firefighting foams used at airports and fire training facilities, industrial discharges, landfills, and wastewater treatment processes. Communities with aviation, aerospace, military, and advanced manufacturing activity are statistically more likely to encounter PFAS in groundwater due to historical use patterns. Importantly, PFAS contamination is often the result of past activities and is not necessarily indicative of current practices.
Recent advances in testing technology and epidemiological research have improved the ability to detect PFAS at very low concentrations, measured in parts per trillion (ppt). As scientific understanding has evolved, regulatory agencies have updated health advisories and recommended thresholds to reflect growing evidence of health effects at these low levels. These benchmarks are based on long-term health risk rather than short-term or acute exposure.
The purpose of the presentation is to provide the Board of County Commissioners with a concise, science-based overview of PFAS chemicals, their sources, health implications, and why they are relevant to Brevard County. The presentation is intended to support informed decision-making by establishing a common understanding of PFAS in lay terms, clarifying misconceptions, and explaining why many communities are evaluating PFAS proactively as part of long-term drinking water stewardship, infrastructure planning, and public communication efforts.
This overview is provided as an educational briefing to ensure the Commission has accurate, up-to-date context regarding PFAS and the considerations facing local governments nationwide as they plan for sustainable water quality and public health protection.
Clerk to the Board Instructions: