Stein highlights state clean water investments as PFAS concerns continue
RALEIGH — Gov. Josh Stein and Department of Environmental Quality Secretary Reid Wilson visited a Wilmington home Wednesday to highlight state investments aimed at addressing PFAS contamination and improving access to clean drinking water.
According to the Governor’s Office, Stein visited homeowners whose well water was found to be polluted with PFOA and PFOS. Through DEQ’s Bernard Allen Emergency Drinking Water Fund, the family received a water filtration system for clean drinking water.
The Governor’s Office said Stein’s administration has advanced more than $1.6 billion in water infrastructure projects to strengthen drinking water and wastewater systems and reduce contamination by PFAS, often called “forever chemicals.”
The visit came as state officials continue to press for water infrastructure funding and PFAS regulation. The Governor’s Office said Stein’s recommended budget for fiscal year 2026-27 includes $25 million in grant funds to respond to contaminated wells and distressed water and wastewater systems. It also includes $45 million in matching funds intended to help draw down federal funding for clean drinking water.
The proposed budget also recommends $4 million to expand PFAS testing in the coming year.
Wilson said one out of three North Carolinians currently drinks water with PFAS levels that exceed upcoming federal health standards, according to the release. He said the most effective way to protect public health is to set limits on pollutant discharges.
DEQ continues to hold Chemours accountable under a 2019 consent order related to PFAS discharges at its Fayetteville Works site in Bladen County, according to the Governor’s Office. The department also has worked with landfill operators on treatment systems intended to remove PFAS from landfill wastewater before the contaminants reach treatment plants.
Stein said access to clean water is essential to health and economic growth, and said North Carolina should continue investing in contaminated-well treatment and water infrastructure.
Editor’s note: This article was drafted with the assistance of artificial intelligence and was reviewed and fact-checked by a member of the NC Political News editorial team before publication.
