City of Tallahassee officials told city commissioners this month that testing related to PFAS contamination in the Woodville area indicates the city’s Southeast Farm spray field is not a significant source of groundwater contamination identified in central Woodville.
The update, presented during the May 13 City Commission meeting, outlined the city’s ongoing monitoring and testing efforts related to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, commonly known as PFAS. The chemicals, often referred to as “forever chemicals,” are widely used in consumer and industrial products and have become a growing environmental and public health concern nationwide.
The update comes after local scientists requested a study on the city of Tallahassee’s Southeast Farm water treatment spray field on Tram Road as a potential source of contamination found in a number of private wells throughout the Woodville area.
According to the report, the city has conducted extensive sampling of drinking water, wastewater influent, treated effluent sprayed at the Southeast Farm, biosolids, groundwater wells, and industrial users connected to the wastewater system.
Testing results showed PFAS levels in treated wastewater sprayed at the Southeast Farm measured 2.2 parts per trillion for PFOA and 2.3 parts per trillion for PFOS. Those levels are below the federal drinking water standard of 4 parts per trillion established for both compounds.
City officials said groundwater monitoring data also supports the conclusion that the Southeast Farm is not the primary source of elevated PFAS levels discovered in central Woodville. The report noted that the groundwater contamination area identified by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection is approximately 2.74 miles from the spray field.
The update stated that most private well samples collected by the Florida Department of Health in Woodville were below the new federal drinking water standard. As of March 25, 2026, 85 of 112 private well samples tested below 4 parts per trillion. One well on Oak Ridge Road East measured 76 parts per trillion for PFOS, above the state’s provisional groundwater cleanup target level of 70 parts per trillion.
City officials said additional sources are likely contributing to PFAS contamination entering the wastewater system. Sampling identified elevated PFAS levels associated with landfill leachate, laundry operations and car washes.
The city emphasized that Tallahassee’s public drinking water continues to meet all regulatory standards and said officials have been proactive in testing for PFAS prior to regulatory mandates.
The report also noted that PFAS regulations continue to evolve at both the federal and state levels. City officials said Tallahassee will continue monitoring drinking water and wastewater systems while working with state agencies on the broader Woodville investigation.
Be the first to leave a comment on this article.