Brevard County is considering spending $5 million to buy 80 acres west of Barefoot Bay for new water and sewer plants. The land, owned by Michael S. Terrel on Edisto Drive north of Dottie Drive in Grant-Valkaria, is needed to meet stricter federal water quality rules and eliminate surface water discharges. The total project cost, excluding land, is estimated at $55 million to $65 million.
The county commission will discuss the purchase at its Tuesday meeting. The 80-acre site is part of a larger effort to comply with a 2021 state law requiring the elimination of nonbeneficial surface water discharge by 2032. Federal rules from 2024 also limit PFAS compounds, which have been detected in Barefoot Bay’s water system. If tests show contamination above legal limits, systems must act within five years.
County spokesman Don Walker said the project is in the 30% design phase, with full plans expected by late 2027. Construction timelines depend on finalizing designs and securing permits. The land acquisition is separate from the $55–$65 million construction budget, which covers building two facilities.
Testing has already found spikes of PFAS in Barefoot Bay’s system, prompting the need for action. The chemicals, linked to cancer risks, come from firefighting foams and industrial products. The county’s current plan includes constructing treatment plants to remove contaminants and prevent future discharges.
Residents in Grant-Valkaria and nearby areas will be affected by the project. The county has not yet announced a public comment period or details on how the land will be accessed for construction. The commission’s vote on the land purchase will shape the next steps for the $60 million overall project.