Greensboro’s $2.7 million investment in advanced filtration technologies has successfully reduced PFAS levels, meeting and exceeding EPA standards. These upgrades have improved water quality and restored public confidence in the city’s drinking water.
Greensboro’s initiative tackles a growing national crisis, as PFAS—known as “forever chemicals”—and other unregulated contaminants like 1,4-Dioxane have been detected in water systems serving over 200 million Americans. These pollutants are linked to serious health risks, including cancer and hormone disruption, and are notoriously difficult to remove using traditional filtration methods. By investing in advanced treatment technologies such as granular activated carbon and real-time monitoring, Greensboro is not only safeguarding its own population of over 300,000 residents but also demonstrating a proactive model for cities nationwide. This comprehensive approach highlights the urgent need for infrastructure upgrades and regulatory action to protect public health in communities across the country.
Furthermore, Greensboro's commitment to transparency and public health is evident in its continuous monitoring and reporting of water quality. The city conducts regular sampling and provides accessible data to the public, fostering trust and accountability. These comprehensive efforts underscore the city's dedication to providing safe and clean drinking water to its residents.
Before Treatment: In August 2022, combined PFOS and PFOA levels were detected at 96 ppt, exceeding the EPA's health advisory level of 70 ppt
PFOS Levels: In January 2023, treated water at the Mitchell Treatment Plant contained PFOS at 20 parts per trillion (ppt), which was five times higher than the EPA's proposed limit of 4 ppt
After Treatment: As of 2024, PFOS levels at the Mitchell and Townsend treatment plants have been reduced to between 10 and 40 ppt, and 10 to 20 ppt, respectively
These reductions bring the water quality closer to meeting the EPA's newly established Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) of 4 ppt for PFOS and PFOA, with full compliance expected by 2029 .
These improvements underscore the effectiveness of Greensboro's investment in advanced filtration technologies and its commitment to providing safe drinking water to its residents.
Scott Jewell, the city's Water Supply Manager, emphasized the effectiveness of GAC filters, effectively removing PFAS from the water supply . Additionally, Dr. Detlef Knappe, a professor at NC State University, has been instrumental in researching PFAS levels in the Cape Fear River, which serves as a drinking water source for over 1.5 million people . His work underscores the importance of developing and implementing effective water treatment methods to ensure safe drinking water for communities.
Mike Borchers, Director of Greensboro's Water Resources Department, emphasized the city's commitment to water quality, stating, "We perform hundreds of thousands of water quality tests each year, and it meets or exceeds all state and federal regulatory limits and parameters for water quality"
Additionally, Joe Johnson, Director of Guilford County's Environmental Health Division, highlighted the importance of community awareness and testing for PFAS, noting, "Knowing whether 'forever chemicals' are in some residential wells near Piedmont Triad International Airport starts with testing that water" .
Reporting on Greensboro's efforts to improve its water quality has revealed how crucial proactive investments in water treatment infrastructure are in addressing emerging contaminants like PFAS. The city’s decision to implement granular activated carbon (GAC) filtration systems at its Mitchell and Townsend water treatment plants has proven effective in reducing PFAS levels to below the EPA's newly established Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) of 4 parts per trillion. This solution works because GAC filters efficiently adsorb harmful chemicals, such as PFAS, from the water supply, reducing risks to public health. Additionally, Greensboro’s commitment to transparency, through regular water quality testing and public reports, builds trust with residents while ensuring they are well-informed about the safety of their drinking water.
This approach mirrors efforts in other municipalities across the U.S. In North Carolina, for example, Wilmington has been dealing with similar PFAS contamination issues and has also turned to advanced filtration technologies to protect public health. Other regions, like Fairfax County, Virginia, have similarly adopted GAC filters and other technologies to combat water contamination. These efforts highlight the growing trend of cities adapting their water treatment systems to address environmental hazards that were once under-regulated or poorly understood. By comparing Greensboro’s approach with those of these other municipalities, it becomes clear that solutions like GAC filtration and continuous water quality monitoring are central to mitigating the risks of emerging contaminants.
Local entities can draw several lessons from these successful initiatives. One key takeaway is the importance of investing in advanced treatment technologies that can address a range of contaminants, especially those that are not yet fully regulated, like PFAS. Additionally, fostering transparency through regular public updates about water quality can bolster community trust and engagement. Greensboro’s experience can also serve as a model for cities looking to address water contamination, demonstrating that with the right technologies and commitment, municipalities can successfully improve water quality and protect public health for the long term.
While Greensboro’s investment in advanced filtration technologies has made significant strides in reducing PFAS levels and meeting EPA standards, it is not a perfect solution and does not address all of the water quality challenges the city faces. PFAS are a class of over 5,000 different chemicals, and while GAC filters effectively capture some of the most dangerous compounds, they cannot eliminate all of them. Newer and less-studied PFAS compounds may still persist in the water, and GAC filters may not fully address other emerging contaminants, such as 1,4-dioxane, which is also present in Greensboro’s water supply
The historic background of Greensboro's water contamination issues highlights why this solution isn't a cure-all. PFAS contamination has been a longstanding problem, primarily due to its use in firefighting foam at Piedmont Triad International Airport and nearby military facilities. These chemicals have slowly infiltrated local water sources for decades, and while the city’s filtration upgrades are an important step, they are not capable of addressing the root cause of contamination or fully eradicating these chemicals from the water.
Looking ahead, experts agree that more comprehensive approaches will be needed. One such solution is expanding the use of reverse osmosis or ion-exchange systems, which could further reduce the remaining PFAS levels in Greensboro's water. However, these technologies come with their own set of challenges, such as higher operational costs and energy demands. Additionally, future efforts will require more advanced monitoring systems to detect emerging contaminants before they pose a public health threat. Furthermore, local and state agencies must continue working together to implement more stringent regulations to better address PFAS and other unregulated pollutants. It is clear that Greensboro’s efforts to address water contamination are commendable, but more work is needed to ensure that the city's water remains safe for residents in the long term.
Zana Nuwara is a Junior Public Relations student at N.C. A&T
https://www.wfdd.org/story/greensboro-water-quality-meets-or-surpasses-epa-standards