Residents press city for clearer PFAS testing after complaint that 'water report' downplays risks
May 20, 2026 | Miami Beach, Miami-Dade County, Florida
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Several residents used the public comment period to press the Commission on an allegation that Miami Beach drinking water is contaminated with per‑ and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and that the city’s annual water quality report labeled water “safe and excellent.”
“Children should not be told the water is ‘safe and excellent’ while PFAS exceed health guidance,” said resident Gregory Reggano, who said he had measured elevated PFAS and cited anecdotal medical concerns. “This should be addressed immediately.”
Public Works Director John Norris told the commission that Miami‑Dade Water currently meets EPA and state maximum contaminant levels and that PFAS is treated as an emerging contaminant nationwide. He said utilities are studying treatment upgrades and that rules under discussion at the federal level could take effect in coming years; water suppliers are already evaluating treatment options to meet future standards.
Norris asked residents with concerns to use established channels and noted that Miami‑Dade is the water provider for Miami Beach; the city purchases treated water from the county. He said that the city is coordinating with county and state agencies and that the city’s sustainability staff and water director are tracking litigation and regulatory changes. "PFAS are a recognized problem; we're working with the county and state on assessment and future treatment," Norris said.
Commissioners requested more detail on the city’s public information about the water report and asked staff to return with clarification about what the report’s language means, what testing has been done, and what resident notifications are advisable while utilities adapt to new rules.
Next steps: staff said they will follow up with more detailed information and that discussions with Miami‑Dade and the county continue; residents asked for faster public guidance and for consideration of local point‑of‑use filtration in schools.
Sources: public comment and City staff responses at the May 20, 2025 Miami Beach City Commission meeting.
“Children should not be told the water is ‘safe and excellent’ while PFAS exceed health guidance,” said resident Gregory Reggano, who said he had measured elevated PFAS and cited anecdotal medical concerns. “This should be addressed immediately.”
Public Works Director John Norris told the commission that Miami‑Dade Water currently meets EPA and state maximum contaminant levels and that PFAS is treated as an emerging contaminant nationwide. He said utilities are studying treatment upgrades and that rules under discussion at the federal level could take effect in coming years; water suppliers are already evaluating treatment options to meet future standards.
Norris asked residents with concerns to use established channels and noted that Miami‑Dade is the water provider for Miami Beach; the city purchases treated water from the county. He said that the city is coordinating with county and state agencies and that the city’s sustainability staff and water director are tracking litigation and regulatory changes. "PFAS are a recognized problem; we're working with the county and state on assessment and future treatment," Norris said.
Commissioners requested more detail on the city’s public information about the water report and asked staff to return with clarification about what the report’s language means, what testing has been done, and what resident notifications are advisable while utilities adapt to new rules.
Next steps: staff said they will follow up with more detailed information and that discussions with Miami‑Dade and the county continue; residents asked for faster public guidance and for consideration of local point‑of‑use filtration in schools.
Sources: public comment and City staff responses at the May 20, 2025 Miami Beach City Commission meeting.
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