Lake Mary exploring PFAS settlement to protect drinking water, residents

The city of Lake Mary is taking steps to protect its residents and drinking water supply by participating in a series of federal settlements tied to widespread chemical contamination.The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has initiated rulemaking for drinking water standards, setting Maximum Contaminant Levels for a large group of chemicals commonly referred to as PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances. PFAS substances are persistent synthetic compounds used in a variety of industrial and consumer product applications, including non-stick cookware and firefighting foams.The presence of PFAS compounds in source water and drinking water is of increasing public concern due to their widespread use and environmental persistence. In 2024, the EPA adopted the first national primary drinking water standards, which establish maximum contaminant level goals for certain PFAS compounds.Hundreds of pending PFAS lawsuits have been consolidated in multidistrict litigation before the U.S. Dist