Issue link: http://townofcary.uberflip.com/i/1521780
C A RY, N O RT H C A R O L I N A A N N U A L WAT E R Q U A L I T Y R E P O R T 2 0 2 3 13 CARY IS COMMIT TED TO PROVIDING HIGH-QUALIT Y, SAFE DRINKING WATER AND CLOSELY FOLLOWS THE SCIENTIFIC STUDY OF CONTAMINANTS OF EMERGING CONCERN. More than 100,000 chemicals are registered in the United States, and new chemicals and microorganisms continue to be identified. Improved technology is measuring substances at lower thresholds every year. Some of these contaminants can now be detected at extremely low levels (parts per trillion, or ppt concentrations). For reference, one ppt is the approximate equivalent of one grain of sugar dissolved in an Olympic-sized swimming pool. The fact that a substance is detectable doesn't always mean it is harmful. The health significance of these trace contaminants is often under review and the subject of further study and research. EACH YEAR CARY TESTS YOUR DRINKING WATER APPROXIMATELY 90,000 TIMES FOR MANY SUBSTANCES INCLUDING THE CONTAMINANTS OF EMERGING CONCERN: PER- AND POLYFLUOROALKYL SUBSTANCES (PFAS), AND 1,4-DIOXANE. For a comprehensive report of all laboratory test results, visit carync.gov/testingsummary. W H AT A R E E M E R G I N G C O N TA M I N A N T S ? W H AT A R E P FAS C O M P O U N D S ? Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) are a class of man-made chemicals used for consumer product applications such as waterproof and stainproof fabrics, nonstick cookware, some food packaging materials, and fire suppression foams. In addition to our already extensive water treatment process, Cary consistently feeds powdered activated carbon, which has been effective at reducing PFAS in drinking water. Following years of scientific testing and evaluation, on April 10, 2024, the EPA finalized a National Primary Drinking Water Regulation (NPDWR) establishing legally enforceable limits for five PFAS in drinking water: PFOA, PFOS, PFHxS, PFNA, and HFPO-DA. Additionally, they set a limit for four PFAS contaminants as a mixture: PFHxS, PFNA, HFPO-DA, and PFBS. Exposure to these six compounds is linked to adverse health effects at very low concentrations. Cary's drinking water has consistently tested below these levels over several years since we began our proactive monitoring and testing plan. Analysts in our State certified laboratory test the drinking water to confirm its purity.