A new report by the Environmental Working Group (EWG) has found that 22 locations across North Carolina are exposed to high levels of contaminated drinking water. The report was compiled using data from the Pentagon and water utilities.
Most of the locations are between Raleigh and Fayetteville, with 1 location about 25 miles East of Charlotte in the City of Albemarle;
According to the report, the locations are contaminated with PFAS chemicals. “PFAS chemicals, used in hundreds of consumer products, have been linked to weakened childhood immunity, thyroid disease, cancer, and other health problems.”
The CDC notes that the chemicals contaminate the blood and never break down in our body or in the environment.
In conjunction with the report, the EPA has released a PFAS Action Plan outlining “concrete steps the agency is taking to address PFAS and to protect public health.”
If you’re concerned about the drinking water around your home, officials recommend using a drinking water test kit and installing a reverse osmosis filtration system if contaminants are found.