In March 2024, the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) proposed adding 70 new bodies of water to its impaired waters list for the year. This biennial update, which precedes a public comment period and submission to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), highlights the ongoing struggle to protect the state’s waterways. If pollution were addressed at its source, these additions might not be necessary.
Sources of Water Pollution in North Carolina
North Carolina’s waterways face contamination from multiple sources. Key contributors include outdated sewer systems, malfunctioning septic tanks, chemical discharges from industrial operations like the former papermill in Canton, and extensive agricultural activities, particularly slaughterhouses in the eastern part of the state.
Sewer Systems and Septic Tanks
Outdated sewer systems and septic tanks leak contaminants into nearby water sources. These systems, often in disrepair, allow untreated or poorly treated wastewater to enter the environment, leading to elevated levels of harmful bacteria and nutrients in water bodies.
Industrial Pollution
Industrial facilities have a notorious history of polluting waterways. The retired papermill in Canton serves as a historical example of chemical pollution affecting local water quality. Despite its closure, the legacy of contamination underscores the need for stringent industrial discharge regulations.
Agricultural Runoff and Slaughterhouses
Agricultural runoff, particularly from slaughterhouses, significantly impairs water quality. Wastewater from these facilities introduces high levels of nitrogen and phosphorus into waterways. These nutrients contribute to environmental issues such as dead zones and toxic algal blooms, which disrupt aquatic ecosystems.
A 2014 report by the Environment North Carolina Policy & Research Center revealed that in 2012, corporate agribusiness facilities, including slaughterhouses, were responsible for approximately one-third of all direct nitrate discharges into the state’s waterways. This statistic underscores the substantial impact of agricultural pollution on North Carolina’s water resources.
The Push for Stricter EPA Standards
Efforts to mitigate pollution from slaughterhouses are gaining momentum. Advocates are pressing the EPA to finalize standards aimed at reducing slaughterhouse pollution. These regulations would help prevent waterways from becoming impaired and improve overall water quality.
Public Involvement and Advocacy
Public participation plays a crucial role in advocating for cleaner waterways. By voicing concerns and supporting stricter pollution controls, individuals can influence regulatory actions. Engaging in the public comment period for the DEQ’s proposed impaired waters list is one way to contribute to this cause.
Addressing water pollution at its source is essential for preserving North Carolina’s water resources. Efforts to modernize sewer systems, regulate industrial discharges, and implement stricter standards for agricultural runoff can prevent the addition of new waterways to the impaired waters list. Public advocacy and involvement are key components in this ongoing battle to keep our waters clean and healthy.
Repair The Body, Fix Your Water
For residents looking to ensure the quality of their home water supply, reverse osmosis filtration systems and whole-home water conditioners offer effective solutions. Reverse osmosis systems remove contaminants by forcing water through a semi-permeable membrane, which filters out impurities. Whole-home water conditioners treat water at the point of entry, reducing hardness and removing chemicals that can affect water quality. These systems provide a reliable way to safeguard household water from pollutants, ensuring clean and safe water for daily use.
Source: Environment North Carolina