Brunswick County Water Testing

If you want to get your water tested in Brunswick County, NC, you can do so through the North Carolina State Laboratory of Public Health or a state-certified commercial laboratory. The Environmental Health program at your local health department can provide information on the specific procedures for water testing. The Brunswick County Public Utilities treats its source water above current state and federal standards and maintains a robust sampling and monitoring schedule. H2GO, the local utility company, also provides treated water to preserve and promote public health in the North Brunswick area.

Brunswick County Public Utilities tests water above state and federal standards

The water supplied by Brunswick County Public Utilities is treated to a higher standard than required by current state and federal legislation. The utility company serves a community of over 40,000 people in the North Brunswick area and has been operating since 1987.

Brunswick County Public Utilities treats its source water in accordance with the Safe Drinking Water Act and National Primary Drinking Water Standards. The company maintains a rigorous sampling and monitoring schedule and also participates in studies to identify and regulate emerging compounds that could impact drinking water and its customers.

The company tests for unregulated contaminants such as 1,4-Dioxane, Gen-x, and other PFAS, as well as a range of other contaminants as required by the EPA. Many of these tests are performed multiple times a day at water treatment plants and throughout the water distribution system.

In addition to its commitment to providing clean and safe drinking water, Brunswick County also supports efforts to eliminate chemical discharges into the river. The county works with the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) and other utilities in the region to ensure timely and transparent information about water quality. The DEQ is responsible for monitoring and regulating discharges in the river and provides information on permitting and compliance enforcement.

For private well owners in Brunswick County, it is the individual's responsibility to test their water regularly to ensure it is safe for use. Private well water can be tested through the North Carolina State Laboratory or a state-certified commercial laboratory. Testing recommendations include annual tests for total and fecal coliform bacteria and checking the wellhead for proper functioning and potential entry points for contaminants. Every two years, heavy metals, nitrates, nitrites, lead, and copper should be tested, and pesticides and volatile organic compounds should be tested for every five years.

Overall, Brunswick County Public Utilities prioritizes the provision of clean and safe drinking water, going above and beyond the required standards to ensure the health and safety of its customers.

The DEQ monitors and regulates discharges into the Cape Fear River

Brunswick County, NC, works with the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) to provide testing for both the raw source water in the Cape Fear River and the finished water within the distribution system of these utilities. The DEQ monitors and regulates discharges into the Cape Fear River, with a particular focus on eliminating the discharge of chemicals that could be detrimental to drinking water source quality.

The DEQ has implemented a comprehensive program to address the presence of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in the Cape Fear River basin, which includes Brunswick County. PFAS are a group of man-made chemicals that have been used in a variety of consumer and industrial applications since the 1940s. While the manufacture of some PFAS has been phased out in the US, they are still imported and can accumulate in the environment and the human body. There is evidence that exposure to PFAS can lead to adverse health effects, including cancer, developmental issues, and liver and thyroid disease.

In 2020, the DEQ required 25 utilities in the Cape Fear River basin to test for PFAS at their wastewater treatment plants. The results revealed high levels of PFAS, with concentrations exceeding health advisories set by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). For example, a sample from the Sanford sewage treatment plant showed a concentration of PFOS, a type of PFAS, measuring 1,000 parts per trillion, more than 14 times the EPA's health advisory level.

In response to these findings, the DEQ has taken several actions to reduce PFAS contamination in the Cape Fear River. They approved a permit for a treatment system to remove PFAS compounds from contaminated groundwater on the Chemours Fayetteville Works Site. This system includes a mile-long underground barrier wall, extraction wells, and a granular activated carbon (GAC) filtration treatment system. The goal is to intercept and treat groundwater contaminated by years of pollution, removing an estimated 99.9% of PFAS compounds before it enters the river.

Additionally, the DEQ has expanded its monitoring efforts to include the Neuse and Yadkin river basins, with the objectives of understanding changes in concentrations, identifying potential sources, and developing a regulatory strategy. The DEQ is also working to identify industries responsible for discharging PFAS and hold them accountable. For instance, they have cited Greensboro and Reidsville for violating their pollution permits by failing to notify the state and downstream water utilities about releases of 1,4-dioxane, another emerging contaminant, into the Cape Fear River.

The NC State Laboratory of Public Health tests water for bacterial and chemical contaminants

Brunswick County, North Carolina, is committed to providing its water customers and residents with transparent and timely information about their water quality. The county treats its source water above current state and federal standards and maintains a rigorous sampling and monitoring schedule.

The NC State Laboratory of Public Health (NCSLPH) tests water for bacterial and chemical contaminants. The Environmental Organic Chemistry Unit and the Environmental Inorganic Chemistry Unit analyse water samples from both public and private water systems for organic chemicals and chemical and/or physical parameters, respectively. The Environmental Microbiology Unit performs bacteriological analyses on these water samples, specifically testing for the presence of the coliform group of bacteria, which indicates faecal contamination.

The NCSLPH provides eligible submitters, including health departments and certain government agencies, with the necessary bottles or vials for water samples. Samples must be collected and transported according to strict guidelines to ensure they are not contaminated and arrive at the laboratory within a maximum of 30 hours.

In addition to the NCSLPH, Brunswick County works with the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) and other utilities in the region to ensure water quality. The DEQ is responsible for monitoring and regulating discharges into the Cape Fear River and supports efforts to eliminate the discharge of chemicals that could impact drinking water source quality.

The NCSLPH Certification Program lists certified laboratories

Brunswick County, NC, works with the Department of Environmental Quality to ensure that its water customers and residents have access to timely and transparent information about their water. The county treats its source water above current state and federal standards, and maintains a rigorous sampling and monitoring schedule.

If you are looking to get your water tested in Brunswick County, NC, you can refer to the NCSLPH Certification Program, which lists certified laboratories. These lists are updated approximately every six months, so it is advisable to contact the office or the laboratory directly to confirm their current certification status and scope of accreditation.

• 624.1 Analysis
• EPH Analysis
• VPH Analysis
• Hg by EPA 1631
• Animal Waste Nutrient Management Analysis
• E. coli Analysis
• Field Parameters (including pH, DO, Total Residual Chlorine, Free Available Chlorine, Temperature, Specific Conductance, Settleable Residue, Turbidity, Salinity, and Sulfite)

These certified laboratories are equipped with the necessary expertise and equipment to perform water quality tests and provide accurate results. It is important to choose a laboratory that is certified and accredited to ensure reliable testing procedures and outcomes.

In addition to the NCSLPH Certification Program, you can also refer to other resources, such as local government websites or private laboratory listings, to find certified laboratories for water testing in your area. It is always advisable to verify the credentials and capabilities of the laboratory before submitting your water samples for testing.

The Environmental Health program provides information on water testing procedures

Brunswick County, North Carolina, is committed to providing its citizens with clean and safe drinking water. The Environmental Health program plays a crucial role in this endeavour by offering information and guidance on water testing procedures.

The Environmental Health program is the go-to resource for residents seeking to understand the specific steps involved in getting their water tested. They provide clear instructions on how and where to get started with water testing, ensuring that residents can take the necessary actions to protect their health and well-being.

The program advises residents to contact their local health department to coordinate water testing. The health department offers testing through the North Carolina State Laboratory of Public Health, which is equipped to handle bacterial and chemical contaminant tests. These tests are crucial for ensuring that drinking water sources are safe and meet state and federal standards.

In addition to the health department, the Environmental Health program also informs residents about the option of utilising state-certified commercial laboratories for water testing. This is especially important as specific procedures and fees may vary from county to county. By offering this alternative, the program ensures that residents have flexible options to suit their needs and circumstances.

The Environmental Health program also provides valuable insights into the frequency of water testing. They recommend annual tests for total and faecal coliform bacteria, as well as regular inspections of the wellhead to identify any cracks or openings that could allow contaminants to enter the groundwater. Additionally, they suggest testing for heavy metals, nitrates, and other potential contaminants on a biennial or quinquennial basis, depending on the nature of the substance.

By offering comprehensive information on water testing procedures, the Environmental Health program empowers residents of Brunswick County to take a proactive approach to their water quality. Through this initiative, the county demonstrates its commitment to safeguarding the health and safety of its citizens, ensuring that they have access to clean and safe drinking water.

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