MANATEE COUNTY – Suncoast Waterkeeper seeks up to 100 volunteers to submit water samples to be tested for harmful PFAS chemical compounds.
According to the June newsletter posted at the Suncoast Waterkeeper website, suncoastwaterkeeper.org, the Sarasota-based clean water advocacy organization is expanding its Forever Free PFAS testing program to residents of Manatee and Sarasota counties. The free testing program was initially offered to Bradenton residents only.
According to the June newsletter, “PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are a group of harmful synthetic chemicals used in everyday products like cookware and clothing. A 2023 statewide study by Dr. John Bowden and researchers at the University of Florida found PFAS in 70% of Sarasota County surface water samples, with North Port showing the highest number of PFAS compounds detected and the highest concentrations in our region.”
Through the Forever Free testing program, Suncoast Waterkeeper will provide free drinking water sampling kits to residents of Manatee and Sarasota counties. The organization’s goal is to collect 100 samples from the region. So far, 39 samples have been tested and several PFAS compounds have been identified.
“Once you sign up, you’ll receive a testing kit with everything you need, including sampling materials and a prepaid shipping label to send your sample to a certified laboratory. After testing is complete, the lab will send your results to Suncoast Waterkeeper, and we’ll provide you with a personalized results packet explaining what was found in your water. You’ll also have an option to review your results with a PFAS advisor on our team. For residents experiencing financial hardship, we also have tested water dispensers with a one-year supply of filters available to help reduce potential PFAS exposure,” the newsletter says.
The online newsletter notes that residents on well water systems are not eligible for participation at this time.
To receive a free testing kit, visit the Suncoast Waterkeeper website.
PFAS
“Suncoast Waterkeeper is dedicated to monitoring and advocating for the removal of toxic substances, such as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), from the Suncoast’s waterways,” the newsletter says. “PFAS are a group of synthetic chemicals created for their ability to repel oil and water. Due to their unique ability, PFAS do not degrade in nature and have been coined ‘forever chemicals.’ Persistent in the environment, PFAS can pose significant health risks to humans and animals.”
“Despite being recently classified as hazardous substances, efforts to regulate these contaminants have been stalled. As a result, our community lacks access to affordable testing, information and water filtration. That’s why Suncoast Waterkeeper launched Forever Free to help residents better understand what’s in their water, and to build local data to guide future solutions,” the newsletter says.
“Early results have shown that levels in tested samples have remained below the federal drinking water standards but above the maximum contaminant level goal. Federal rulemaking is currently underway to roll back, delay and provide exemptions for these standards before they can even be implemented. That is why Suncoast Waterkeeper is bridging the gap to gather local data. We aim to not only understand local trends but also to provide people with the information they need to protect themselves,” the newsletter says.
The Forever Free program is funded by the Charles and Margery Barancik Foundation.
Last September, Bowden and two of his students provided this PFAS presenation to the Holmes Beach Clean Water Ad Hoc Committee.
