Recent data released by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) indicates that drinking water in Vero Beach contains levels of perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) that exceed new federal regulations. According to the report, local water samples detected PFOS at 8.4 parts per trillion (ppt), which is more than double the federal maximum contaminant level of 4 ppt.
Despite these findings, city officials have assured residents that the water remains safe to drink. This development places Vero Beach among the approximately 15 percent of U.S. water systems serving populations of 10,000 or more that are currently exceeding the EPA’s updated limits for “forever chemicals,” which officially went into effect in 2024.
Understanding the Numbers and “Forever Chemicals”
PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are a group of man-made chemicals that have been utilized in industry and consumer products since the 1940s. They are commonly found in nonstick cookware, water-repellent clothing, stain-resistant fabrics, and firefighting foams. Because they do not break down naturally in the environment—and can accumulate in the human body over time—they are often referred to as “forever chemicals.”
While the City of Vero Beach began testing for these substances in 2013 and initially found no detectable levels, advancements in laboratory technology have allowed for much more sensitive testing methods. These new tests are now identifying trace amounts of the chemicals that went undetected in previous years.
Key Takeaway: While the detected levels of 8.4 ppt exceed the new strict federal limit of 4 ppt, city officials state the water remains safe for consumption. The presence of these chemicals is being attributed to legacy environmental factors rather than recent contamination events.
Sources of Contamination: The Airport and Local Aquifers
The primary challenge for the Vero Beach Water and Sewer Department lies in the geography of its water supply. The city draws its water from a network of 26 wells situated on and around the property of the Vero Beach Regional Airport.
Currently, the water supply is a 50/50 blend from two different sources:
Rob Bolton, the director of the Vero Beach Water and Sewer Department, and other experts point to specific historical factors that may have contributed to the presence of PFOS in the shallower wells:
The Path Forward: Solutions and Upgrades
The city is proactively addressing the issue with a multi-step plan to bring water levels back into compliance with the new EPA standards. The current treatment process—which includes coagulation, nanofiltration, lime softening, and chloramine disinfection—does not remove PFAS chemicals. Consequently, infrastructure changes are required.
To lower PFOS levels, Vero Beach plans to reduce its reliance on the shallower surficial aquifer. The city intends to drill three additional wells into the deeper Floridan Aquifer. This will allow the water department to shift the blend ratio, initially moving to 60% deep aquifer water, with a long-term goal of 70%.
Additionally, the city has allocated $250,000 for a comprehensive study to evaluate advanced treatment technologies. The study will look into methods such as granular activated carbon and ion-exchange filtration.
Timeline for Compliance
Residents should be aware that these major infrastructure upgrades will take time. Significant changes are not expected to be fully operational before 2029. The projects are likely to be financed through low-interest state loans. The EPA requires water systems to complete initial monitoring by 2027 and achieve full compliance with the new limits by 2029.
Regional Context
Water quality varies significantly across the Treasure Coast. While Vero Beach is managing this exceedance, Indian River County’s public water system reported no detectable PFAS. However, to the south, the Fort Pierce Utilities Authority and parts of St. Lucie County Utilities have also reported exceedances in recent data, highlighting that this is a regional and national challenge facing many municipalities.
