TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WCTV) – A group of doctors, geologists and local commissioners believe just under nine million Floridians have been exposed to PFAS, or \u201cforever chemicals\u201d and they believe one source is the City of Tallahassee\u2019s wastewater spray field. <\/p>\n
Tallahassee Dr. Ron Saff said these \u201cforever chemicals\u201d increase risk for cancer and thyroid problems.<\/p>\n
Saff, other doctors, a geologist and conservationists said the problems probably trace back to the capital city\u2019s wastewater spray field. <\/p>\n
\u201cPFAS has led to contamination of Florida groundwater resources and that approximately 8.9 million Floridians, that\u2019s about 40% of us, have PFAS chemicals in their drinking water,\u201d Saff said. \u201cSo, it really wasn\u2019t a surprise when we found elevated level in Woodville.\u201d<\/p>\n
The group is asking the city to study its wastewater field, perhaps with Leon County\u2019s health department and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection helping, or footing the bill.<\/p>\n
NEW: A group of doctors, geologists and local commissioners are holding a press conference to announce they believe PFAS, “forever chemicals,” are coming from a City of Tallahassee wastewater spray field. <\/p>\n
“We don’t even have a bandaid approach,” said Dr. Ron Saff. pic.twitter.com\/kEjkO6g01U<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Matt Hoffmann (@ByMattHoffmann) March 23, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n \u201cGiven the confirmed connection between the spray field and Wakulla Springs, the presence of PFAS contamination in Woodville along the flow path from the spray field to the springs, and the absence of alternative sources, it is scientifically reasonable to consider the spray fields as a potential contributor,\u201d said Geologist Fred Kocher. <\/p>\n Dr. Donald Axelrod estimates a proper study could cost hundreds of thousands of dollars, which is money he believes would be well spent. <\/p>\n Scientists said one city well and several private wells in the Woodville area have tested positive for PFAS, though the city well doesn\u2019t pose any risk to residents like the private wells do. <\/p>\n While they believe the spray field is the conduit, they cannot say for certain. On top of PFAS study, they are also calling for enhanced monitoring from local doctors in coordination with the county health department. <\/p>\n In response to Monday\u2019s press conference, a City of Tallahassee spokesperson shared information dating back to 2014 \u201cshowing the high-priority of importance the City has placed on learning about the emerging containment knowns as PFAS.\u201d <\/p>\n The information included testing and monitoring. When tested in 2024, only one well tested above the minimum reporting threshold. The City is also taking steps to optimize flow within the distribution system to ensure they will continue to meet drinking water standards and is planning for additional costs to meet new standards.<\/p>\n To keep up with the latest news as it develops, follow WCTV on Facebook<\/a>, Instagram<\/a>, YouTube<\/a>, Nextdoor<\/a> <\/a>and X<\/a> (Twitter<\/a>).<\/p>\n Have a news tip or see an error? Write to us here<\/a>. Please include the article\u2019s headline in your message.<\/p>\n Be the first to see all the biggest headlines by downloading the WCTV News app. Click here<\/a> to get started.<\/p>\n Copyright 2026 WCTV. All rights reserved.<\/p>\n