{"id":1112,"date":"2026-05-20T06:04:33","date_gmt":"2026-05-20T06:04:33","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/tampamovingjournal.com\/?p=1112"},"modified":"2026-05-20T06:04:33","modified_gmt":"2026-05-20T06:04:33","slug":"temple-terrace-weighs-72m-overhaul-to-tackle-forever-chemicals-contamination-in-citys-drinking-water","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/tampamovingjournal.com\/?p=1112","title":{"rendered":"Temple Terrace weighs $72M overhaul to tackle \u2018forever chemicals\u2019 contamination in city’s drinking water"},"content":{"rendered":"

TEMPLE TERRACE, Fla.<\/strong> – <\/span>Temple Terrace city leaders say they are running out of time to address growing concerns over PFAS contamination in the city\u2019s drinking water. During a city council workshop on Tuesday night, officials reviewed a proposed multi-million-dollar overhaul of the city\u2019s aging water treatment system aimed at meeting new federal safety standards before a 2031 deadline.<\/p>

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Proposed water treatment upgrade<\/h2>

The backstory:<\/p>

City council heard from engineering firm CHA, which recommended a five-year, $72.2 million upgrade plan for Temple Terrace\u2019s water treatment infrastructure.<\/p>

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The proposal includes major improvements to both of the city\u2019s treatment plants, which engineers say are nearing the end of their service lives.<\/p>

The larger and older Whiteway Water Treatment Plant would receive about $30 million in capital improvements. The smaller Sunningdale facility could eventually be converted into a booster pump station supporting Whiteway operations.<\/p>

The report also recommends adding water softening treatment and PFAS removal technology using a nanofiltration deep well injection system.<\/p>

What are PFAS \u2018forever chemicals\u2019?<\/h2>

PFAS, often called “forever chemicals,” are linked to certain cancers, reproductive complications and metabolic disorders.<\/p>

While city leaders say action is underway, some residents voiced frustration over the timeline.<\/p>

The PFAS treatment portion of the project is not expected to be completed until 2029, just two years before the EPA\u2019s compliance deadline.<\/p>

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Residents question timeline<\/h2>

Resident Chris Barquin questioned why mitigation efforts have taken years to materialize.<\/p>

“The city knew of this, at least someone in the city knew of this back in 2024. Here we are in 2026, we’re still drinking the same water,” Barquin said.<\/p>

Mayor Andy Ross also raised concerns about whether temporary mitigation options could help reduce PFAS exposure while long-term upgrades are completed.<\/p>

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City leaders discussed the possibility of using a temporary PFAS mitigation trailer in the meantime.<\/p>

By the numbers:<\/p>