A recent Waterkeeper Alliance monitoring project confirmed per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are persistent in U.S. waterways. PFAS, or “Forever Chemicals,” are linked to a variety of health effects including cancer, liver and kidney disease, and harm to immune and reproductive systems.
Waterkeeper groups collected samples across 19 states—finding one or more types of PFAS in 98% of sampling sites. Elevated levels were found at 95% of sites downstream of wastewater treatment plants and 80% of sites downstream of lands applied with sewage sludge.
Meanwhile, South Florida disposes of more than 50,000 tons of sewage sludge in the St. Johns River Watershed. This sludge is not tested for toxic PFAS even though it is a known source.
We are working to end the land disposal of PFAS-laden sewage sludge on lands in our watershed to protect the health of our communities and our river.
Get ready to take action in January 2026 during the Florida Legislative Session.
Our river deserves to be fishable and swimmable. Now.