How to Speak at a City Council Meeting About PFAS
A short, well-prepared public comment can move a council more than a dozen emails. Here is how to prepare one.
Before the meeting
Find your city council or water board’s meeting schedule on the city website. Most have a public comment period at the beginning or end of each meeting. Some require you to sign up in advance.
Write out what you plan to say. Public comment periods are typically 2 to 3 minutes. That’s about 350 to 400 words. Practice timing yourself.
Print copies of the CheckYourWater PDF report card for your water system. Bring enough for every council member plus a few extra.
If possible, bring neighbors. Numbers matter. Even if they don’t speak, having 5 to 10 people stand up when you’re introduced shows this isn’t just one person’s concern.
What to say
Open with who you are: “My name is [name], I live in [neighborhood/district], and I’m a customer of [water system name].”
State the facts: “According to EPA testing data, our water system tested positive for [compound] at [X] times the federal limit.”
Make a specific ask: “I’m asking the council to [specific action: issue a public statement, commission a treatment study, provide interim guidance to residents].”
Close with stakes: “This affects [population number] residents, including families with young children. I’d like to know what the council plans to do and when.”
Example script
“Good evening. My name is [name], I live in [neighborhood], and I’ve been a resident for [X] years. I’m here because EPA testing data shows that our water system, [system name], has [compound] in our drinking water at [X] times the federal safety limit. I’ve brought copies of the test data for each of you. [Pause to hand them out.] The EPA set these limits in 2024 after years of research showing that PFAS exposure increases cancer risk and affects immune function. Our water exceeds those limits today. I’m asking the council to do three things: first, publicly acknowledge these test results and communicate them to residents. Second, direct the water utility to develop a treatment plan with a timeline. Third, provide guidance to families, especially those with infants, on how to reduce exposure while we wait for treatment. I’m happy to work with any council member on this. Thank you.”
What NOT to do
Don’t speculate about health effects beyond what the science supports. Stick to “the EPA determined these levels pose health risks” rather than claiming specific illnesses.
Don’t attack individual council members or utility staff. They’re more likely to act if they feel you’re working with them, not against them.
Don’t make it partisan. PFAS contamination affects everyone regardless of political affiliation. Keep the focus on public health and data.
Don’t expect immediate action. Municipal processes are slow. The goal of the first meeting is to get the issue on the record and establish yourself as a constituent who will follow up.
After the meeting
Send a follow-up email to each council member thanking them for their time and reiterating your specific requests. Attach the PDF report card again.
If the meeting was recorded or minutes are taken, request copies.
Set a calendar reminder to attend the next meeting and ask for an update.
Contact your local newspaper’s city hall reporter. A story about residents raising PFAS concerns at a council meeting creates public pressure that sustains momentum between meetings.