PFAS in Drinking Water: Challenges and Solutions in Charlotte and Lake Norman
PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are a group of harmful chemicals found in drinking water across the United States, including the Charlotte and Lake Norman areas of North Carolina. These “forever chemicals” are highly persistent in the environment and human body, leading to potential health risks such as cancer, liver damage, and developmental issues. In response to growing concerns about PFAS contamination, North Carolina has introduced strict regulations, mandating municipalities to reduce PFAS levels in drinking water. However, cities like Charlotte face significant challenges in meeting compliance deadlines, including the high costs of upgrading water treatment infrastructure, limited access to advanced PFAS removal technologies, and the complexity of extensive water testing. This blog explores PFAS contamination in Charlotte and Lake Norman, the legislation surrounding PFAS removal, and the obstacles municipalities must overcome to ensure safe drinking water for residents.