Officials study cancerous chemical found in Haw, Cape Fear Rivers
FAYETTEVILLE -- Low-levels of a cancer-causing chemical have been found in the Haw and Cape Fear Rivers. The latter is a main source of drinking water for thousands of people in the Sandhills.
"I know people are concerned, and we too are always concerned about our water safety, and are doing everything we can to protect our customers," said Carolyn Justice-Hinson, a spokesperson for Fayetteville's Public Works Commission.
"The levels are in a range where we still would consider the risk acceptable," added Dr. Detlef Knappe, a NC State University scientist leading a study into the chemical.
The industrial chemical is 1,4-Dioxane. It's found in products like paints and waxes, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. It is also a byproduct of things like detergents. Usually the chemical is detected in groundwater, but, in 2013, the EPA began asking major utility companies to test surface water suppliers.
Knappe and his team began gathering samples throughout the state in October 2014 for a year-long study to learn more about the 1,4-Dioxane and its effects. The $120,000 study is being paid for by almost every major water supplier in the state, including PWC. Results will be used to help the EPA understand the dangers of the chemical, which is one they have not set regulations for yet.
At best guess, local traces of the chemical have traveled to the southeastern region via Triangle-based industry.
"We're seeing more of it across the country than anticipated," Knappe said, noting that it's usually found in communities that get drinking water from groundwater sources. "That's really been a surprise."
The contaminant has also been found in in Harnett County, which sells water to Sanford, Holly Springs, and Moore County. Chatham, Albemarle, and Brunswick Counties have also had traces of the chemical found in their supplies through the Cape Fear Public Utility Authority.
The largest amounts of the chemical were actually found in the Haw and Deep Rivers. Those readings were 150 parts per billion, or ppb, according to PWC. The highest level found in the Cape Fear River has been 9 ppb. According the EPA, people who consume 3.5 ppb of 1,4 dioxane over a lifetime have a 1 in 100,000 chance of developing cancer.
Knappe compared it to the risk of dying in as a result of dangers faced driving every 2,500 miles.
"On one hand that sound bad [talking about the relatively low risk], because ideally we want zero," said Knappe. "On the other hand, we could ask why is this chemical in the water [in the first place]."
Justice-Hinson adds that in two of the six monitoring periods last year, there were no traces of the chemical found in the Cape Fear River.
"It's not been a constant detection and hopefully know thing that may alleviate concern," she said.
Customers were notified of the recent findings in PWC's 2014 Water Quality Report, but there are many unknowns about the long-term effects of the chemical when detected at such low levels.
"At this point, we feel that if it were an immediate threat then the EPA would have already taken action or had requirements for this," said Justice-Hinson. "It is good that they're looking at it and we're cooperating just like the other communities are, but we feel like at this point there is not an immediate threat to the community."
Knappe said the study results will be available in 2016.
For more information about 1,4-Dioxane from the EPA, click here.
