TEQUESTA, FL — Facing evolving federal drinking-water regulations and upcoming compliance deadlines, the Village of Tequesta approved a $121,915 contract with Kimley-Horn to prepare a comprehensive Water Treatment Master Plan.
The plan will map out how the Village can meet new standards for PFAS (“forever chemicals”), modernize its aging treatment systems, and ensure long-term safety and reliability of drinking water.
“Water is public safety,” Councilmember French said. “This plan is essential — not optional.”
Why the Master Plan Is Needed
Engineers explained that Tequesta relies on a blend of two aquifers:
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Floridan Aquifer — deep, clean, but extremely salty; treated with reverse osmosis
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Surficial Aquifer — shallow, more mineral-rich, but more vulnerable to PFAS contamination
New EPA standards restrict allowable PFAS levels to parts per trillion — equivalent to one grain of salt in 10 million gallons of water.
Some surficial wells tested between four and 11 times the upcoming limits.
Because PFAS does not break down naturally, the Village must either:
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Reduce or eliminate the surficial well use,
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Install PFAS-specific treatment systems, or
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Shift production capacity toward the Floridan Aquifer and re-stabilize the blended water.
What the Master Plan Will Evaluate
The plan will analyze:
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Full treatment alternatives:
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Ion exchange
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Selective resin
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Granular activated carbon
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Nano-filtration
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Deep injection disposal
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The feasibility of shifting production from shallow wells to the deeper Floridan Aquifer
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Long-term costs and operational impacts
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New chemical stabilization needs if blending ratios change
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Funding opportunities — including PFAS-related settlements from 3M, DuPont, and others
Water utility staff reported that some PFAS settlement money has already been awarded, and more may be available next year.
A Multi-Year Roadmap Ahead
While the EPA extended compliance deadlines into the early 2030s, engineers urged the council to act aggressively.
“This isn’t unique to Tequesta,” said water engineer Nick Black. “Every utility in the country is dealing with PFAS. The good news is you’re getting ahead of it.”
The master plan will return to Council in 2026 with recommendations and implementation timelines.
