Stuart may try to ID, sue whoever polluted drinking-water wells with PFOS and PFOA.
The water contained high levels of dangerous PFOS and PFOA, chemicals once used to make nonstick pans, fire extinguishing foam and water- and stain-resistant fabrics.
The city closed and replaced the wells that were contaminating the water supply to all customers in 2016, and it continues to incur cleanup costs.
At its June 26 meeting, the City Commission will consider an offer by Florida law firm Morgan & Morgan and national law firm Weitz & Luxenberg to determine how the chemicals got into the well water and represent the city in what could be a nationwide lawsuit.
More: Stuart replaced wells after EPA found too much PFOS and PFOA in drinking water Win-win If the lawsuit is successful, the city will get 60 percent of the money awarded and the law firms 40 percent.
"If they lose the case, there’s no cost to the city," Mortell said.
Stuart would be the first to sign up for the lawsuit, Mortell said.
Cleanup costs Equipment to filter the chemicals out of water will cost "upwards of $600,000," said Dave Peters, Stuart’s assistant public works director.
"The city currently meets all water quality regulations," Peters said.
More: How’s the water?