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.
Posted — UpdatedThe rule aims to make drinking water safer by reducing exposure for 100 million Americans, which officials said can prevent cancer and thousands of illnesses.
"It's in the blood of every American at this point just about 99%, including babies while they're in the womb," said Ken Cook, president and co-founder of the Environmental Working Group.
Katie Bryant, a mother of two from Pittsboro, said she’s been fighting for regulations after she found out her children had been exposed.
"That is terrifying, these things probably won't leave them in their lifetime," Bryant said.
Chemours and other chemical manufacturers are expected to fight the new rules in court.
Fayetteville has long grappled with PFAS in drinking water. In 2017, researchers discovered PFAS contamination in the Cape Fear River drinking water supply, including forever chemicals uniquely linked to the Chemours Fayetteville Works plant, formerly owned by DuPont.
“North Carolina, like so many states, has seen the impact of industrial pollution on water supplies,” said Ali Zaidi, National Climate Policy Advisor to President Biden. “We know these forever chemicals can cause cancer and other severe illnesses, and there are over 100 million people across the country with some form of exposure.”
Many advocates said it’s a long overdue protection, while utility groups and others worry about the costs of compliance.
At the Fayetteville Public Works Commission facility, officials said it will cost an estimated $80 million to $100 million to install a GAC filter, which removes certain chemicals from water.
The Biden administration announced an additional $1 billion to help states fund infrastructure upgrades to comply with the new rules, but it's likely that some of the cost will be passed on to water customers.
"It doesn't care what your politics are, it doesn't care where you live, it doesn't care about money in your pocket," Regan said. "When it comes to basic needs of clean drinking water, no matter what your political party is, whether you live in the South or the Midwest, everyone should be able to turn on their tap and trust that the water they are drinking and giving their children is safe."
Research shows those chemicals have been linked to liver damage and developmental problems in children. At least 45% of the nation’s tap water is estimated to have those chemicals, known as PFAS. That’s according to a federal study last year.
An additional $12 billion in funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law supports general drinking water investments, including PFAS treatment. Officials say 40% of the overall benefits of these federal funds will be earmarked for disadvantaged communities.
North Carolina will receive $29 million in grant funding to help utilities implement testing and upgrade water treatment technology to meet the new standards.
“The first national drinking water standards for PFAS marks a significant step towards delivering on the Biden-Harris Administration’s commitment to advancing environmental justice, protecting communities, and securing clean water for people across the country,” said Brenda Mallory, Chair of the White House Council on Environmental Quality.
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