About 23 million U.S. households rely on private wells as their main source of drinking water. Unlike those using public water systems, these homeowners are solely responsible for ensuring their water is safe to consume. The situation raises a pressing question: Is the water from these private wells safe? Inconsistent Testing Among Private Well Owners … Read more
Contaminated groundwater in parts of North Carolina may take more than 40 years to flush out harmful chemicals known as PFAS, according to a recent study from North Carolina State University. The findings highlight the persistent threat posed by per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in Cumberland and Bladen counties, with significant implications for residents and … Read more
In a surprising legal battle, major trade groups representing U.S. water utilities are challenging the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) new limits on toxic PFAS chemicals in drinking water. The utilities, tasked with delivering clean and safe water, have a history of opposing regulations that could improve water quality, according to public health advocates. The History … Read more
Bottled water has become a staple for many, with 5% of Americans relying on it for most of their hydration and only 10% drinking exclusively tap water. Yet, experts argue that this preference might not be as beneficial as commonly believed. A recent commentary published in BMJ Global Health highlights concerns about the health and … Read more
North Carolina, New Jersey, and New Mexico Urge Action on “Forever Chemicals” Three US states have formally petitioned the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to regulate air emissions of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), commonly known as “forever chemicals.” This petition, filed by North Carolina, New Jersey, and New Mexico, marks a significant step in the … Read more
The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has issued new regulations limiting six perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in public water systems. While these guidelines represent a significant step toward reducing exposure, they don’t cover every water source in the US, and they won’t fully take effect for several years. In the meantime, millions of Americans … Read more
Overview of the 3M Lawsuit A class action lawsuit filed against 3M Company, EIDP Inc. (formerly E.I. du Pont de Nemours and Company), and The Chemours Company accuses these chemical manufacturers of selling soil and stain repellents containing hazardous “forever chemicals” to carpet manufacturers. Plaintiffs Vicki Peterson and Paul Sadeghi claim that these companies failed … Read more
In 2017, Wilmington’s StarNews uncovered a shocking truth: the Cape Fear River, which supplies drinking water to around 350,000 people, was tainted by toxic chemicals known as PFAS (perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances). The contamination had been happening for decades, courtesy of DuPont and its spin-off company Chemours, which dumped these harmful compounds into the river. … Read more
Several North Carolina environmental organizations are calling on the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to remove the N.C. Department of Environmental Quality’s (DEQ) authority over water permitting. Citing political interference and chronic underfunding, these groups argue that DEQ has been rendered ineffective in safeguarding the state’s water quality. The Southern Environmental Law Center (SELC) filed … Read more
Recent research reveals the presence of cancer-causing chemicals in various drinking water sources across the San Francisco Bay Area. The study, published in PLOS Water, found that bottled water, tap water, and treated tap water all contained trihalomethanes (THMs), a group of harmful chemicals formed during water disinfection processes. Widespread Issue Beyond the Bay Area … Read more