PFAS in North Carolina

PFAS in North Carolina’s Drinking Water

I know how important it is to trust that the water flowing from my tap is safe. However, many public water systems in North Carolina have discovered levels of PFAS—particularly compounds like PFOA, PFOS, and GenX—well above proposed or newly finalized Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs). Because most municipal treatment plants were not originally designed to remove PFAS, these chemicals can pass through filtration and end up in household faucets.

In April 2024, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced final drinking water standards—legally enforceable MCLs—for six PFAS compounds. Public water systems have five years to meet these new standards, though state officials encourage immediate action. DEQ testing in 2022 and 2023 has confirmed that multiple municipal systems have PFOA or PFOS levels higher than what the EPA now deems safe (4 parts per trillion).

Cape Fear River Basin Contamination

The Cape Fear River system has been a focal point for PFAS contamination since about 2016, when researchers discovered elevated levels of GenX, a PFAS substitute, in the river. According to the NCDEQ, industries along the river have historically discharged PFAS-laden wastewater or air emissions that eventually settled into surface water. The Cape Fear River forms an important drinking water source for many counties and provides irrigation for farmland, placing a wide population at risk of exposure.

GenX and Chemours Facility in Fayetteville

One of the most prominent industrial sources of PFAS in the region is the Chemours facility in Fayetteville, which was previously part of DuPont. Chemours manufactured GenX and related compounds, leading to significant environmental discharges. Testing in Robeson County, which is served by the Robeson County Water System, revealed GenX concentrations as high as 33 parts per trillion—beyond the new federal threshold of 10 parts per trillion for GenX set by the EPA in 2024. These findings underscore the importance of ongoing testing and remediation efforts to protect local drinking water.

Affected Counties and Municipalities

Besides communities near the Cape Fear River, DEQ sampling shows PFAS levels above or near proposed federal limits in multiple county water systems across the state. In 2022, DEQ conducted three months of sampling at 50 municipal and county water systems identified in a prior PFAS Testing Network study. Of these, 42 were found to have certain PFAS compounds exceeding then-draft MCLs.

Looking to expand data collection, DEQ is sampling 655 smaller systems, including schools and daycares. These results allow officials to map contamination more accurately and offer solutions tailored to each system’s population and budget. For residents whose private wells test above recommended health advisory levels, a DEQ pilot program now provides funds for in-home filtration through the Bernard Allen Emergency Drinking Water Fund.

PFAS in North Carolina’s Soil and Agriculture

PFAS contamination does not stop at the water supply; these substances are also detected in soil. Because PFAS are resistant to breakdown, water used for crop irrigation may transfer PFAS into fields, which can accumulate in produce or livestock feed. According to environmental scientists in North Carolina, the cumulative effect of PFAS in soil poses a risk for farms that rely on local wells or surface water for irrigation.

Farmers in North Carolina may face:

• Reduced consumer confidence in local produce if contamination is detected.

• Uncertainty over how to remediate PFAS in soil.

• Potential livestock exposure from contaminated groundwater.

As state agencies and universities continue to study PFAS’s effects on agriculture, farmers and consumers gain a better understanding of long-term risks. However, mitigation can be complicated, and many growers rely on water sampling and laboratory tests to verify PFAS levels in their soil.

Health Effects of PFAS Exposure

I recognize the worry many North Carolinians feel when they learn their water or surroundings may contain PFAS. Scientific literature, including research from the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR), has documented links between PFAS exposure and a range of health problems, though severity can vary depending on dose and duration of exposure. Some commonly referenced concerns include:

• Immune system effects, such as reduced antibody production in response to vaccines.

• Hormonal disruptions, particularly related to thyroid function.

• Elevated cholesterol or other metabolic changes.

• Liver damage, which can impair the body’s ability to process toxins.

Because PFAS do not degrade quickly, repeated exposure can lead to higher concentrations in blood and tissues over time. Children, pregnant women, and individuals with existing health conditions may be especially vulnerable. If you suspect you have experienced PFAS exposure, discussing potential medical testing with a healthcare provider can offer further guidance.

PFAS-Linked Diseases in North Carolina

Although the science on PFAS is still evolving, studies already link certain PFAS forms—like PFOA and PFOS—to multiple illnesses. In North Carolina, health agencies and research partners are examining how local PFAS levels might correlate with observed health trends. Data from national and state health studies suggest the following diseases appear more frequently after long-term, high-level PFAS exposure.

Kidney Cancer

Kidney cancer is one of the malignancies most consistently associated with PFAS exposure, especially PFOA. Investigators note that repeated consumption of contaminated water may raise the risk, although multiple factors (including genetics and lifestyle) also play a role. North Carolina’s Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) encourages individuals with known PFAS exposure to share their history with medical professionals, who can consider additional screening if appropriate.

Testicular Cancer

Testicular cancer has likewise been linked to PFAS in several population studies. Research indicates that PFAS might disrupt hormone regulation, potentially contributing to abnormal cell growth. While the relative risk increase is considered moderate, it warrants further investigation, and those who live near documented PFAS hotspots should remain attentive to any unusual symptoms.

Thyroid Disease

The thyroid gland produces hormones essential for metabolism and normal growth. PFAS compounds have been shown to interfere with thyroid hormone levels, possibly leading to hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism. In North Carolina, individuals with higher PFAS exposure may experience more frequent thyroid function irregularities, prompting doctors to recommend routine checks on thyroid hormone levels.

Liver Damage and Cholesterol Changes

Researchers have found that PFAS exposure can worsen liver enzyme profiles, highlighting a potential strain on this vital organ. Higher LDL (“bad”) cholesterol levels are also reported in some communities where PFAS contamination is prevalent. Both conditions may develop gradually, and many people do not realize they are at risk until they undergo blood tests or experience noticeable symptoms.

How North Carolina Is Responding to the PFAS Crisis

I have seen North Carolina respond with policy changes, new sampling efforts, and legal enforcement to address the PFAS crisis. The state aims to protect citizens from ongoing contamination, hold polluters accountable for past releases, and ensure that municipalities and smaller systems have the resources they need to treat or filter PFAS-contaminated water.

NC Department of Environmental Quality (NCDEQ) Actions

The NCDEQ issued its “Action Strategy for PFAS” in June 2022, prioritizing:

1. Protection of communities most at risk.

2. Safeguarding drinking water supplies.

3. Cleaning up existing contamination with an emphasis on the “polluter pays” principle.

As part of this plan, DEQ launched a pilot program through the Bernard Allen Emergency Drinking Water Fund to install treatment systems in private wells that exceed health advisory levels. In 2022, DEQ conducted three months of sampling at 50 municipal and county water systems, discovering widespread PFAS detections. According to DEQ, 42 systems had PFOA or PFOS above the proposed federal standards. DEQ is now extending sampling to 655 small systems, including schools and daycares.

With support from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, North Carolina is developing statewide treatment solutions. The Environmental Management Commission has also moved forward on groundwater standards, approving interim maximum allowable concentrations (IMACs) for multiple PFAS in October 2024.

Legal Settlements and Enforcements

Beyond testing, the state has taken legal actions to reduce further discharges. Chemours, formerly part of DuPont, entered into agreements aimed at curbing PFAS emissions from its Fayetteville facility. The company must also finance remediation initiatives and monitoring programs. These settlements serve as a warning to other industrial polluters that discharging PFAS compounds without adequate controls will face regulatory scrutiny.

Community Health Outreach and Testing

NCDHHS and local health departments partner on community outreach to keep residents informed about PFAS risks and testing opportunities. Some counties offer free water sampling for households near suspected contamination zones. In cases where no responsible party provides alternative water, the Bernard Allen Fund can help eligible residents install in-home filtration systems. This network of state and local resources aims to ensure people know how to test their water, interpret the results, and seek medical or legal help if needed.

Can You Test Your Water or Soil for PFAS in North Carolina?

Yes. Several state-certified laboratories in North Carolina can test for PFAS, but the process often requires specialized methods. When you contact a lab, ask if it can detect PFAS at very low concentrations (parts per trillion). The DEQ website lists labs qualified to perform these analyses, and local health departments may help you understand any results.

For private wells, the DEQ’s pilot program or the Bernard Allen Emergency Drinking Water Fund can provide financial support if your contamination level meets or exceeds health advisory standards. A successful test will:

1. Identify which specific PFAS compounds are present.

2. Measure them against EPA or state advisory levels.

3. Inform a decision on the best type of filtration or whether to switch to an alternate water source.

For soil testing, you can contact university extension programs or environmental consulting firms that have experience handling PFAS. Because agriculture might be affected, farmers particularly benefit from periodic testing of both soil and irrigation water to keep contamination in check.

Do You Qualify for a PFAS Lawsuit in North Carolina?

If you have experienced exposure to PFAS in drinking water, soil, or from industrial emissions—and have suffered subsequent injuries or health problems—you may qualify to file a PFAS lawsuit in North Carolina. Qualifying factors often include:

• Documented PFAS levels above regulatory limits in your water supply.

• A medical diagnosis linked to PFAS exposure, such as kidney or testicular cancer.

• Financial or health impacts that raise legal claims against suspected polluters.

Some PFAS lawsuits target manufacturers or industrial facilities that knowingly released PFAS without adequately warning or protecting local communities. Others seek compensation for costs related to water treatment, well remediation, or personal injury from PFAS-related diseases. Determining if you qualify often involves gathering test results, medical records, and expert opinions linking contamination to potential harm.

If your PFAS exposure has led to serious health consequences, you might consider exploring the nationwide PFAS litigation involving companies like DuPont or Chemours. To find out if your circumstances meet the legal criteria for a claim, you can consult resources at:

• Water Contamination Lawsuit guide

• DuPont Lawsuit information

Why Choose Legal Claim Assistant

When I discovered the scope of PFAS contamination in our state, I wanted a reliable way to connect with legal professionals who understand the complexities of PFAS litigation. Legal Claim Assistant provides that link. By choosing their services:

• You receive a free review of your case to see if you meet criteria for legal claims.

• You connect with experienced lawyers familiar with PFAS and environmental claims.

• You spare yourself the research of finding attorneys on your own—Legal Claim Assistant does the vetting process.

• You gain a better chance of a favorable outcome with professionals who help gather evidence and build a strong case.

Through in-depth knowledge of PFAS science, state regulations, and past settlements, Legal Claim Assistant can help you navigate everything from preliminary testing to formal filings. If you suspect a link between your health concerns and PFAS exposure, their free consultation offers clarity.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Not everyone has the same experience with PFAS, and I often hear specific questions from friends and neighbors who worry about their water or health. Below are some of the most common queries.