Brevard County has purchased 80 acres of land near Barefoot Bay for $5 million to construct new water and sewer facilities. The project is part of efforts to comply with federal rules targeting PFAS compounds and state mandates to eliminate nonbeneficial surface water discharge by 2032. The land, located on Edisto Drive north of Dottie Drive in Grant-Valkaria, is owned by Michael S. Terrel. The county commission approved the purchase unanimously on Tuesday. The total project cost, excluding land, is estimated between $55 million and $65 million, with construction expected to begin in 2028. Current plans are at the 30% design phase, with full blueprints anticipated by late 2027. County spokesman Don Walker said construction timelines depend on finalizing designs and securing permits. Testing in Barefoot Bay’s water system has already detected elevated levels of PFAS, which the EPA linked to increased cancer risks. The 2021 Florida law requiring reduced surface water discharge and 2024 federal PFAS restrictions drove the need for new infrastructure. The new plants will replace aging systems and ensure compliance with stricter water quality standards. The site’s location near Barefoot Bay was chosen to minimize environmental impact and streamline access to existing utility corridors. No details about funding sources beyond the $5 million land purchase were provided in the commission’s approval. The project remains subject to environmental reviews and public input before breaking ground.