Brevard County commissioners voted Tuesday to spend $5 million on land next to an existing water plant north of Micco Road to build new facilities that will remove cancer-causing forever chemicals from drinking water. The decision comes after years of concern over per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), which have been linked to health issues including kidney disease and cancer. The new treatment plants are expected to be operational by 2028.
The vote was part of a broader effort to address contamination in the area’s water supply. PFAS, often called forever chemicals because they persist in the environment for decades, have been detected in groundwater near the current plant. County officials said the new facilities will use advanced filtration systems to eliminate these contaminants. The project includes purchasing 10 acres adjacent to the existing site, which is located near the intersection of Micco Road and State Road 520.
Commissioners cited growing public concern over water safety as a key factor in the decision. 'We can’t ignore the risks these chemicals pose,' said Commissioner Karen Smith during the meeting. 'This investment is about protecting our residents’ health.' The county has faced pressure from environmental groups and local residents who have raised alarms about PFAS exposure in recent years.
The project is part of a $20 million multiyear plan to upgrade water infrastructure across the county. The new facilities will serve approximately 150,000 residents in the northern part of Brevard. County officials said the work will begin immediately, with construction expected to start in early 2027. No specific timeline was given for when the first phase of treatment will begin.