North Carolina is set to receive over $253 million to enhance its water infrastructure, targeting contaminants like PFAS and lead.
Liz McLaughlin reports for WRAL.
In short:
- Governor Roy Cooper announced over $253 million for water and wastewater projects in North Carolina.
- Fayetteville will use $30 million to build a treatment facility targeting PFAS, with an estimated total project cost of $92 million.
- Additional grants will fund PFAS mitigation in Cumberland County and lead service line replacements.
Key quote:
"Blame could go all the way to the top if it has to start somewhere with regulations, and once it trickles all the way down, the only people who pay for it are the people," Williams said. "We’re the ones that pay for it."
— Ashley Williams, mother and PWC customer
Why this matters:
PFAS, often referred to as "forever chemicals" due to their persistence in the environment, have been linked to various health issues, including cancer, liver damage, and immune system effects. Lead, a well-known neurotoxin, is especially harmful to children, causing developmental delays and other serious health problems. This funding will be crucial in upgrading outdated water systems and implementing new technologies to detect and eliminate these dangerous substances from drinking water.
