Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS)

Protecting public health and providing our customers high quality, safe drinking water is Martin County Utilities’ top priority, and we currently meet or exceed all federal and state standards for drinking water.

Martin County regularly tests and monitors water quality to ensure a safe water supply, and we continue to follow current research and developments on contaminants of emerging concern such as PFAS.

WHAT ARE PER- AND POLYFLUOROALKYL SUBSTANCES?

Since the 1940s, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) have been used in commercial and common household products such as food packaging, non-stick cookware, waterproof clothing and stain-resistant fabrics.

These synthetic chemicals can enter the environment and water supplies from multiple sources and do not break down easily, which is why PFAS are sometimes called “forever chemicals.”

WHAT IS MARTIN COUNTY DOING TO PROVIDE SAFE DRINKING WATER?

Martin County Utilities has an extensive treatment and monitoring program and meets all Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations for drinking water to ensure that the water we produce and deliver protects our customers. Recent monitoring findings are shared with the community in the Consumer Drinking Water Quality Report.

The County is closely monitoring emerging regulations and research on PFAS and has voluntarily increased surveillance of its water supply and treatment system to ensure public health protection.

HOW CAN WE REDUCE EXPOSURE TO PFAS?

• Learn more about these chemicals and the federal and state actions being taken to address them
• Avoid buying non-stick cookware and stain-resistant fabrics
• Limit eating foods packed in materials that may use PFAS such as microwave popcorn and fast food
• Avoid using personal care products that contain PFAS such as certain types of dental floss, nail polish, moisturizers and cosmetics
• Minimize the dust in your home to limit PFAS particles in the air by changing your home’s air filter on a regular basis