The Orange Water and Sewer Authority announced Thursday it has received $1.96 million for PFAS treatment as part of a settlement with the company 3M, a major manufacturer of PFAS. According to OWASA, the funds will be used to offset the cost of treatment to reduce PFAS in the community’s drinking water.

PFAS is an acronym for a harmful group of compounds used in various industrial processes and products. A manufactured byproduct from items like non-stick pans, water-resistant or stain-resistant fabrics and cleaning supplies, PFAS are called “forever chemicals” because of their resiliency in the environment — often ending up in wastewater treatment, landfills, and nature after passing through carriers. Studies are still be conducted on the chemicals’ health impacts, but early research shows PFAS could contribute to increased risks of cancer, liver damage, immune system disorders, and pregnancy complications.

OWASA began monitoring its PFAS levels in 2018 after NC State and Duke published several studies on the prevalence of the chemicals. In September 2024, OWASA announced plans for a $75 million facility to remove the chemicals from drinking water and comply with new regulations from the Environmental Protection Agency under the Biden administration. But some of those regulations were rescinded in May.

OWASA says it expects an additional $1 million from the 3M settlement and anticipates collecting roughly $3.1 million in total, with the rest made up of smaller amounts from various other settlements.

“These funds will help reduce the cost burden on the Carrboro-Chapel Hill community for removing PFAS from our drinking water and the environment,” said OWASA executive director Todd Taylor. “OWASA did not create PFAS, but we now find ourselves in the business of removing it… we are pursuing multiple strategies to help reduce the burden on the OWASA customer to keep them safe from PFAS.”

A release said OWASA is also seeking additional funding from both the federal and state government to “alleviate the burden of PFAS mitigation” on customers. OWASA has advocated for a proposed state budget which includes $110 million in grant money to local governments and water/sewer authorities across North Carolina for PFAS sampling and monitoring, as well as upgraded water treatment technologies.

 

Featured image via Orange Water and Sewer Authority

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