Drinking water Coverage

Algae blooms at Falls Lake lead to Raleigh tap water complaints

Multiple people told WRAL News their water had a dirt-like taste over the weekend. On Monday, state officials said the taste had to do with the environment and is safe to drink.

What's wrong with Raleigh tap water? Algae bloom at Falls Lake behind the smell, color

Have you noticed an unusual smell or flavor in your tap water over the past few days?

Shaun Gallagher, WRAL reporter

UN says DuPont and Chemours violated human rights in NC, contributed to 'global toxic contamination problem'

Chemours and DuPont violated human rights when polluting drinking water with PFAS, according to the United Nations Human Rights Council.

Liz McLaughlin, WRAL climate change reporter

UN says NC water pollution violates human rights

The United Nations declaration specifically calls out Chemours and parent company DuPont for contaminating drinking water with toxic chemicals called PFAS disregarding the rights and wellbeing of downstream residents.

Clean drinking water will replace contaminated wells at Gray's Creek, Alderman Road elementary schools

A partnership between Cumberland County and the Fayetteville Public Works Commission will bring clean drinking water to Gray's Creek Elementary School and Alderman Road Elementary School.

Liz McLaughlin, WRAL climate change reporter

Gray's Creek Elementary, Alderman Road Elementary schools to get clean drinking water

A partnership between Cumberland County and the Fayetteville Public Works Commission will bring clean drinking water to Gray's Creek Elementary School and Alderman Road Elementary School.

Head of EPA visits Fayetteville to announce new limits for PFAS in drinking water

U.S. and local environmental leaders on Wednesday will announce the first-ever national, legally enforceable drinking water standard to protect communities from exposure to harmful PFAS, also known as forever chemicals.

US visits Fayetteville to announce first-ever limits on PFAs in drinking water

White House officials on Wednesday morning spoke at an event in Fayetteville to announce protections for drinking water. Researchers discovered PFAS contamination in the Cape Fear River drinking water supply in 2017, including forever chemicals uniquely linked to the Chemours Fayetteville Works plant, formerly owned by DuPont.

New rules aim to make drinking water safer in North Carolina by removing toxic chemicals

The Environmental Protection Agency is finalizing the nation's first-ever drinking water standards for five forever chemicals or PFAS. The chemicals are present in drinking water systems across North Carolina and studies have linked PFAS to health risks including cancer and developmental problems in children.

Liz McLaughlin, WRAL climate change reporter

Cleaner water at home

5 On Your Side spoke with an expert about filtering contaminates out of your drinking water.

5 On Your Side: Finding the best water filter for your home

5 On Your Side spoke with an expert about how to filter contaminates out of your drinking water.

Pritchard Strong, WRAL consumer reporter

How safe is your tap water?

WRAL News tested tap water across the region and found forever chemicals in most of North Carolina's drinking water.

Liz McLaughin, WRAL climate change reporter

Is your water safe to drink? The results of a WRAL investigation

Forever chemicals in your drinking water. A special WRAL Investigation tested for over 50 different potentially hazardous chemicals in local homes. Where we found the highest levels - and is our drinking water safe?

Pittsboro votes to sue Apollo Chemical and test treatment system

The town of Pittsboro is suing Burlington-based Apollo Chemical Co., which is accused of leaking a dangerous chemical into its drinking water supply.

Pittsboro plans to sue Apollo Chemical for drinking water contamination

Pittsboro officials say the town plans to sue Apollo Chemical, a Burlington company, for repeatedly discharging a hazardous chemical into its drinking water supply.

Liz McLaughin, WRAL climate change reporter

Researchers discover new forever chemicals in Cape Fear River

Researchers at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill have identified 11 additional types of PFAS in the Cape Fear River, including eight that were previously unknown to the Environmental Protection Agency.

New forever chemicals discovered in Cape Fear River

Researchers at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill have identified 11 additional types of PFAS in the Cape Fear River, including eight that were previously unknown to the Environmental Protection Agency.

Liz McLaughlin, WRAL climate change reporter

UN group calls out Chemours for violating human rights, polluting the planet & lying about the danger of PFAS

A group of independent researchers appointed by the United Nations Human Rights Council has accused Chemours of violating human rights by contaminating the environment with toxic chemicals

Liz McLaughlin, WRAL climate reporter

'It's personal': Burlington founder develops technology to destroy PFAS after losing loved one to cancer

A Burlington company, Invicta Water, has discovered a non-toxic and cost-effective way to destroy forever chemicals in drinking water. The founder and his nephew say the loss of a loved one inspired their mission, and now they hope their technology can help others get access to clean water.

Liz McLaughlin, WRAL climate change reporter

Loss inspires Burlington clean water technology

In Burlington, where forever chemicals have been discovered in the Haw River, one company has developed a way to destroy them. The founder and his nephew said it's more than just a business, it's personal.

Developer sued in Durham, accused of polluting Falls Lake

Sound Rivers is suing Mungo Homes for allegations the company is violating the Clean Water Act by polluting Martin Branch Creek with sediment. The creek flows into Falls Lake, a drinking water source. The developer is denying the allegations.

Lawsuit alleges developer is polluting Raleigh's drinking water

Sound Rivers is suing Mungo Homes for allegations the company is violating the Clean Water Act by polluting Martin Branch Creek with sediment. The creek flows into Falls Lake, a drinking water source. The developer is denying the allegations.

Shelle Jackson, WRAL reporter

Toxic chemical found in Pittsboro drinking water

A release of a chemical called 1,4 dioxane happened in the Haw River near Burlington. Pittsboro, which is 30 miles away, uses the Haw River for its drinking water.

Apollo Chemical is suspected source of 1,4-dioxane pollution in Haw River

Burlington officials are investigating the source of industrial chemical contamination after discharges from a Burlington wastewater treatment plant into the Haw River, a drinking water source for nearly 1 million North Carolinians.

Liz McLaughlin, WRAL Climate Change Reporter

UNC Pembroke student studying PFAS in Cape Fear River

University of North Carolina at Pembroke Ashley Barez has spent the past two years studying chemical contamination in the Gray's Creek Community.