Greensboro’s Initiative to Combat “Forever Chemicals” in Water Supply
In a decisive move to safeguard public health, the Greensboro City Council has allocated over $200 million to tackle the issue of “forever chemicals” in the city’s drinking water. The substantial investment is aimed at upgrading the Mitchell Water Treatment Plant’s filtration system to eliminate PFAS, a group of long-lasting synthetic chemicals.
The city plans to contract The Haskell Company with approximately $260 million to enhance the treatment capabilities of the Mitchell facility. This upgrade is crucial, as tests have detected PFAS in Greensboro’s key water sources, including Lake Brandt and Lake Townsend.
During a recent city council meeting, Mike Borchers, Greensboro Water Resources Director, likened the new treatment system to a common household water filter. “These are really large concrete basins. They’re filled with basically 15 feet of activated carbon, and the water trickles through,” Borchers explained. “And we have shown, based on a lot of testing to get here, that that is a very effective technology and will remove it to near non-detect.”
PFAS have been utilized in various industries and consumer products since the 1940s. However, recent studies have linked these chemicals to serious health concerns, including cancer and reproductive issues.
The comprehensive plan to upgrade the Mitchell and Townsend Water Treatment Plants is estimated to cost $338 million in total. The completion of these improvements is anticipated by the year 2029, marking a significant step forward in ensuring safe drinking water for Greensboro residents.
