Water Quality

The Village of Tequesta is committed to providing safe, reliable drinking water and to keeping residents informed about PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), a group of long-lasting man-made chemicals sometimes called “forever chemicals” because they persist in the environment. In April 2024, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) finalized national drinking water standards for several PFAS, including enforceable Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs) of 4.0 ppt for PFOA and 4.0 ppt for PFOS, along with standards for additional PFAS and a mixture “hazard index.”. EPA’s rule is being implemented on a phased schedule, with initial monitoring required by 2027 and compliance with the MCLs by 2029 (and EPA has also announced plans for additional rulemaking that could affect the compliance date for PFOA/PFOS). Testing in August 2025 measured 3.5 ppt (ng/L) PFOA and 8.7 ppt (ng/L) PFOS in the Village’s finished (treated) drinking water. The Village’s drinking water meets all currently enforceable state and federal regulatory requirements, and the Village remains committed to continued compliance through ongoing monitoring, coordination with regulators, and evaluation of treatment and operational options to reduce PFAS where feasible.

Recent testing conducted in August 2025 found the following PFAS concentrations in the finished (treated) water delivered to customers:

  • PFOA: 3.5 ppt (ng/L)
  • PFOS: 8.7 ppt (ng/L)

What are PFAS?

PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are a large group of man-made chemicals that have been used in many products for decades, such as firefighting foam, stain- and water-resistant materials, and some industrial processes. They are often called “forever chemicals” because they can persist in the environment for long periods.

What are EPA’s current regulations for PFAS in drinking water?

In April 2024, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) finalized the first nationwide drinking water standards (a National Primary Drinking Water Regulation, or NPDWR) for several PFAS, including:

  • PFOA: Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) = 4.0 ppt
  • PFOS: MCL = 4.0 ppt
  • PFHxS, PFNA, and GenX (HFPO-DA): MCL = 10 ppt
  • A Hazard Index standard for mixtures of certain PFAS (PFHxS, PFNA, GenX, and PFBS). 

EPA’s rule includes an implementation timeline (monitoring and compliance activities occur over multiple years). EPA has also publicly stated (May 2025) it intends to keep the PFOA and PFOS standards, while pursuing changes affecting some other parts of the PFAS rule and compliance framework.

Does Tequesta’s drinking water meet regulations?

Yes. The drinking water provided to Village residents meets all currently enforceable state and federal drinking water regulations, and the Village is committed to ensuring continued compliance.

At the same time, we recognize that PFAS standards are a rapidly evolving area at the federal level.

Because the federal rule includes phased implementation requirements over several years, utilities nationwide (including Tequesta) are working through monitoring, planning, and treatment decision-making consistent with EPA and state guidance.

What is the Village doing now?

The Village is actively working to ensure continued compliance and to reduce PFAS where feasible by:

  • Continuing PFAS monitoring and sharing results with the public as required
  • Evaluating operational and treatment options that can reduce PFAS 
  • Coordinating with state and federal regulators and technical experts
  • Pursuing available state/federal funding and cost recovery opportunities where applicable

Where can customers learn more?

EPA PFAS drinking water regulation overview (MCLs and implementation timeline). Environmental Protection Agency