Water Health in North Carolina: What You Need to Know

Overall Health Analysis

North Carolina faces significant challenges in ensuring clean, safe drinking water for its residents. Across the state, a total of 131 contaminants have been detected in the water supply, with an alarming 1998 water systems impacted. These contaminants affect millions of residents, posing serious threats to public health.

Among the contaminants, the most concerning are Chloroform, Bromodichloromethane, Manganese, Total Trihalomethanes, Haloacetic Acids, and Dichloroacetic Acid. These pollutants not only compromise water quality but also pose significant health risks, particularly for vulnerable populations such as children and the elderly. Below, we take a closer look at each of these contaminants to understand their prevalence and the dangers they carry.

Top Six Contaminants

Chloroform

Water Systems Affected: 888
People Impacted: 8,810,100
Chloroform, a by-product of water disinfection processes, often forms when chlorine interacts with organic matter in the water supply. While effective in killing harmful bacteria, this chemical has been linked to significant health risks, including liver and kidney damage, as well as increased risks of cancer with long-term exposure.

Bromodichloromethane

Water Systems Affected: 840
People Impacted: 8,807,855
Bromodichloromethane, another by-product of water disinfection, is found widely in treated water systems. Like chloroform, it is classified as a suspected carcinogen. Prolonged ingestion or exposure has been associated with risks to reproductive health and development, posing significant concerns for pregnant women and infants.

Manganese

Water Systems Affected: 982
People Impacted: 8,529,077
Manganese is a naturally occurring element found in soil and rocks, which can leach into water systems. While essential in small amounts, excessive manganese can lead to neurological issues, particularly in children, whose developing brains are more sensitive to this contaminant.

Total Trihalomethanes

Water Systems Affected: 1,116
People Impacted: 8,447,337
Total Trihalomethanes, a group of chemicals formed as by-products of water treatment, are present in an overwhelming number of water systems in North Carolina. These compounds are classified as probable human carcinogens, with continuous exposure linked to increased risk of bladder cancer and adverse reproductive outcomes.

Haloacetic Acids

Water Systems Affected: 819
People Impacted: 8,425,691
Haloacetic acids are another family of disinfection by-products that affect thousands of water systems. These compounds have been associated with DNA mutations, which can lead to an increased risk of cancer. High levels can also harm the liver and kidneys, making them particularly dangerous for long-term health.

Dichloroacetic Acid

Water Systems Affected: 806
People Impacted: 8,344,112
Dichloroacetic acid is a specific type of haloacetic acid that raises red flags due to its potential to cause liver tumors and other cancerous developments. Additionally, it has been linked to complications in the nervous system, making it essential to monitor and minimize levels in water supplies.

Most Significant Health Impacts

The contaminants most prevalent in North Carolina’s water supply carry severe health consequences, ranging from acute to chronic illnesses:

• Cancer Risk: Several disinfection by-products, including trihalomethanes, chloroform, and dichloroacetic acid, are classified as probable or suspected carcinogens. Long-term exposure is linked to increased rates of bladder, liver, and kidney cancer.
• Neurological Damage: High concentrations of manganese in the water can impair cognitive development in children, while also posing risks to adults with prolonged exposure.
• Organ Damage: Liver and kidney toxicity are linked to haloacetic acids, chloroform, and bromodichloromethane, particularly in cases of prolonged ingestion.
• Reproductive Health Issues: Certain contaminants, such as bromodichloromethane, have been associated with developmental and reproductive problems, impacting pregnant women and young children most severely.

Conclusion

The state of water health in North Carolina demands urgent attention. With 131 contaminants detected across nearly 2,000 water systems, millions of residents are exposed to harmful substances daily—substances that threaten not just quality of life, but health and safety. From cancer risks to neurological impairments, the consequences of unsafe water are too dire to ignore.

Addressing these concerns requires a multi-faceted approach, including stricter regulations to monitor and control contaminants, investment in advanced filtration technologies, and widespread public education about the risks lurking in untreated water. For communities and families, understanding the specific risks in their local water supply is the first step toward protecting their health and well-being.