White City Council members D.J. Bennett, left, and Jean Swank listen as a speaker addresses the City Council at its Aug. 3 meeting. City of White Mayor Curtis Powell listens to City Engineer John Sweitzer at the Aug. 3 council meeting. White City Councilman D.J. Bennett asks a question during the Aug. 3 council meeting. White City Councilwoman Jean Swank, left, and City Attorney Debra Golymbieski listen as a speaker makes a point at the Aug. 3 council meeting. White City Council is weighing a water rate increase associated with the city buying water from Bartow County. The council voted on May 4 to connect to Bartow County’s water system as a temporary fix to obtain water that is not contaminated with so-called “forever chemicals.” The city has PFAS and PFOAs in its water supply, and has been debating how to provide clean drinking water for its residents. PFAS — per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances — are widespread chemicals found in everything from fast food wrappers to carpet, according to an Environmental Protection Agency fact sheet. They break down very slowly over time, and are commonly found in the environment and in the blood of people and animals all over the world. They also are found in low levels in food. On the other hand, PFOA — perfluorooctanoic acid — is a chemical used to make carpeting, upholstery, apparel, floor wax and textiles, among other things. Engineers John Sweitzer and Jay Renew of Sweitzer Engineering told the council at its Aug. 3 meeting they…
*This content (including text, artwork, graphics, photography, and video) was provided by the third party(ies) as referenced above. Any rights or other content questions or inquiries should be directed to such third-party provider(s).
