North Carolina Utilities Grapple With Widespread PFAS in Drinking Water

Utilities across North Carolina are struggling to manage rising levels of PFAS contamination as new federal data shows exposure in water systems serving Durham, Fayetteville, and Chapel Hill. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency recently identified PFAS in 200 additional drinking water systems nationwide, pushing the number of Americans exposed to over 172 million.

Local utilities, including OWASA and Apex, are deploying activated carbon technologies to meet the EPA’s new four parts per trillion limit, but the methods are costly and produce large volumes of waste. Environmental advocates warn that regulators may roll back standards for four PFAS compounds, potentially undermining protections and accountability.

PFAS, or “forever chemicals,” persist in the environment and human bodies, with links to cancer, immune dysfunction, developmental delays, and hormonal disruption. For utilities and communities in North Carolina, rising treatment costs and legal battles highlight the urgent need for stronger action at the pollution source.

28-08-2025