PFAS water treatment and low water rates
Summary
Mayor Castillo reported from a national water board meeting on the city's looming question: once PFAS is filtered out of drinking water using ion exchange, how do you safely dispose of it? The EPA is developing guidelines and staff will include disposal requirements in an upcoming RFP.
At a glance
- Total mentions
- 5
- Last 30 days
- 0
Last discussed Jun 3, 2026.
Impact analysis
Disposal costs will be factored into the water treatment project, though total costs aren't yet known.
All residents drinking city water benefit from safer water and responsible disposal.
Ratepayers could face higher water costs if disposal expenses prove substantial.
Mentions & discussions (6)
‘Forever chemicals’ are in Pines’ tap water. The city’s spending millions on a fix
‘Forever chemicals’ are in Pines’ tap water. The city’s spending millions on a fix Pembroke Pines News
City Commission — June 3, 2026
The budget board praised progress on an improved water utility to address the PFAS contamination issue, and noted Pembroke Pines has the region's lowest water rates.
City Commission — March 18, 2026
Commissioner Rodriguez reported that PFAS filtration waste likely heads to hazardous waste landfills, and under the federal polluter-pays law, cities could get stuck paying closure costs. Advocacy groups are seeking a CERCLA exemption for the actual PFAS producers.
City Commission — February 4, 2026
Mayor Castillo reported from a national water board meeting on the city's looming question: once PFAS is filtered out of drinking water using ion exchange, how do you safely dispose of it? The EPA is developing guidelines and staff will include disposal requirements in an upcoming RFP.
City Commission — January 21, 2026
The city must meet an EPA PFAS compliance deadline of April 2031 and just committed $6.08 million to design the fix. But commissioners flagged a bigger question: once PFAS are filtered out, the hazardous byproduct has to go somewhere — incineration is under federal moratorium, landfilling may be the near-term option, and improper disposal could create Superfund liability. The consultant will study disposal options during the first year of the project.
What's in Your Drinking Water?
What's in Your Drinking Water? Environmental Working Group
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