PFAS Contamination in Chapel Hill Well Raises Concerns Over Biosolids Use

Bob Meeker’s family discovered elevated levels of PFAS — toxic “forever chemicals” — in their private well in northwestern Chapel Hill, prompting expensive filtration upgrades. The well is near farmland where treated sewage sludge, or biosolids, from the Mason Farm Wastewater Treatment Plant was applied for decades under state permits. PFAS, used since the 1940s in products like nonstick cookware and firefighting foam, persist in the environment and are linked to cancer, thyroid issues, and immune dysfunction.

The Orange Water and Sewer Authority (OWASA) began testing biosolids for PFAS in 2022 and recently found six PFAS compounds in dewatered samples. While OWASA says applications follow all regulations and avoid Cane Creek Reservoir’s watershed, nearby fields were included until recently. State regulators are studying PFAS contamination sources and developing new groundwater and surface water rules to safeguard drinking water, as calls grow for tighter oversight of biosolids use.

15-09-2025