My plan to Boost our Water Quality
Access to clean, safe drinking water is one of the most fundamental responsibilities of local government. Unfortunately, communities across the country are discovering the presence of PFAS—often called “forever chemicals”—in their water systems. These chemicals do not easily break down in the environment and have been linked to serious health concerns. I have a comprehensive plan to protect the city’s water supply, remove existing contamination, and prevent future exposure.
Understanding the PFAS Threat
PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are a group of synthetic chemicals widely used in industrial manufacturing, firefighting foam, food packaging, and consumer products. Because they resist heat, oil, and water, they have been used for decades in everyday products. However, their durability also means they accumulate in soil, groundwater, and the human body. Long-term exposure has been associated with increased risks of cancer, immune system damage, thyroid disease, and developmental issues in children. Addressing PFAS contamination requires both immediate action and long-term policy solutions.
Comprehensive Testing and Transparency
The first step in protecting the city’s water supply is to fully understand the scope of the problem. My plan will prioritize citywide water testing, including municipal wells, reservoirs, and groundwater sources. Testing should also extend to schools, public buildings, and neighborhoods near potential contamination sources such as airports, military facilities, and industrial areas.
Equally important is transparency. All test results should be publicly available through an easy-to-use online dashboard so residents can see exactly what is in their water. Public trust depends on open communication, and residents deserve clear and accurate information about water quality.
Investing in Advanced Water Treatment
If PFAS contamination is detected, the city must invest in modern filtration systems capable of removing these chemicals from drinking water. Technologies such as activated carbon filtration, ion exchange systems, and high-pressure membrane filtration have proven effective in reducing PFAS levels.
I also will include a phased infrastructure upgrade to incorporate these technologies into existing water treatment facilities. While these upgrades require investment, they are essential to ensuring safe drinking water for current and future residents.
Holding Polluters Accountable
Local taxpayers should not bear the financial burden of contamination caused by corporations or industrial polluters. I will support legal and regulatory actions that hold manufacturers responsible for PFAS pollution. By working with state and federal partners, the city can pursue reimbursement for cleanup costs and ensure companies that contributed to contamination help fund remediation efforts.
Preventing Future Contamination
Prevention is just as important as cleanup. I will advocate for local regulations limiting the use of PFAS-containing firefighting foams, industrial discharges, and other known sources of contamination. The city can also require stronger environmental monitoring from businesses that handle chemicals capable of entering the water supply.
Partnering with environmental scientists and regional water authorities will help ensure the city adopts the most up-to-date standards and monitoring practices.
Securing State and Federal Funding
Water infrastructure upgrades can be expensive, but funding opportunities exist through state and federal programs. I will actively pursue grants and infrastructure funding designed to address emerging contaminants like PFAS. Leveraging these programs will help reduce the financial burden on local taxpayers while accelerating improvements to the water system.
Community Engagement and Public Health Protection
Finally, the plan should include community education and support programs. Residents must understand how PFAS exposure occurs and what steps they can take to protect themselves. In areas where contamination is detected, the city should provide resources such as certified home filtration guidance, bottled water assistance if needed, and public health screenings.
A Commitment to Clean Water
Clean drinking water is not a luxury—it is a basic necessity. By prioritizing testing, transparency, infrastructure investment, pollution accountability, and prevention, I will demonstrate a strong commitment to protecting the health of residents and the future of the city. Addressing PFAS contamination today will ensure that future generations inherit a safe and sustainable water supply.
