GREENSBORO, N.C. — Wednesday evening the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)issued a new updated the threshold risk of the compounds perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctanoic sulfonic acid (PFOS).
These chemicals are usually found in drinking water and are commonly referred to as PFAS.
PFAS is used to make an assortment of all kinds of things. They are used to make nonstick and stain-resistant items, like frying pans, they're also used in makeup, water-repellent clothing, carpets, and some firefighting foams.
If the chemical gets into a person's bloodstream, it can remain there indefinitely and cause cancer.
Right now PFAS levels are slightly above the new federally acceptable levels, and we spoke with city officials on their plans to lower them.
Six years ago, the EPA set the PFAS limit at 70 parts per trillion. This week, they lowered it to .004 parts per trillion.
On May 10th, the PFAS levels at Greensboro's Mitchell Water Treatment Plant were last measured at 32 parts per trillion. Well below the old limit, but well above the new one.
Michael Brockers is the City's Director of Water Resources Department, he wants us to understand that yes there are adjustments that need to be made, but there's no reason to panic.
"I want to let all of the customers know we have started this process of looking at this and addressing all these emerging contaminants going all the way back to 2015 when we had city council pass their resolution to do the evaluation of our watershed...I do want to put all of our customers at ease, yes we do have these emerging contaminants at low concentrations in our drinking water, but if you look at the health advisory it's a lifetime risk, and we are putting our plans in place to address it permanently."
Michael and the city also want it to be clear, our water is still safe for all uses, including drinking.