Frequently Asked Questions

No, disposable wipes, rags, clothing articles, and paper towels should not be flushed because these combine with fats, oils, greases, and other debris to cause major clogs within the wastewater collection system and treatment facilities.  The fibers contained within most “flush-able” wipes are not biodegradable.  Also, if your house has a low-pressure grinder pump, the pump may become damaged and the property owner could be responsible for the costs of repair. Please see the Grinder Pump Informational Brochure (PDF) which discusses the use and maintenance of grinder pump systems.

A briefing regarding legislation in the District of Columbia regarding flushable wipes provides additional insights into the issue.

It may take three to six weeks depending on the type of grinder system installation. If a sewer tap needs to be made for connection to the low-pressure sewer system within an NC DOT area, an encroachment application must be submitted by Brunswick County to the State, which can extend wait time to up to three months. Prior to the contractor/homeowner applying for pressure sewer service, siding must be installed, underground power must be installed to the structure, and final land grade must be established. If any of the above steps are not completed prior to service request, the timeline for installation will be regenerated. After the basin is set, an additional request by contractor/homeowner is required at completion of customer-side electrical and plumbing installation. This is referred to as start-up, allowing County staff to inspect customer-side connections with the pump being tested, ensuring the system operates as intended.

All Brunswick Counties locates can be requested through the NC 811 ULOCO system. You can call 811 and request that all utilities located at the service address be located by the appropriate utility owner. A standard locate may take up to 3 business days, and emergency locates will be taken care of as soon as possible. Please note that any water or sewer connections beyond the water meter box, gravity sewer clean out, or County owned grinder station are owned and maintained by the property owner and will not be located or maintained by Brunswick County Utility Staff.

Sewer overflows on a grinder system are typically caused by a pump failure. When your alarm goes off, please call one of our emergency numbers and refrain from heavy water usage, i.e. washing machine, dishwasher, showers, and baths. Another thing that will ensure your pump operates properly is by not putting prohibited items into the sewage system, i.e. wet wipes, grease, and feminine hygiene products. These items shorten the lifespan of your pump and may cause a sewer overflow. It is not suggested to shut down the breaker. Silencing the alarm is all that is necessary until staff arrives for repair.

We ask the homeowner to silence the alarm if they can, it is not necessary or recommended to turn off the breaker to the grinder pump. Please call into our maintenance line at 910-253-2657. On the grinder pump control panel, there is an information sticker with our after-hours phone numbers as well.

View the Grinder Pump Informational Brochure (PDF)

Smoke testing is the process of injecting artificially produced smoke into a blocked off pipeline segment to see where the smoke emerges. If the line is in good condition, the smoke will emerge from manhole lids along the line. If there are any cracks or defects within the line, the smoke will come from those. It is not unusual to see some smoke come up through cracks in the pavement or in residential yards during testing. It is also not unusual for smoke to come out of the plumbing vent pipe above your roof.

To ensure the sanitary sewer system is in good working order, it is important to locate and repair any breaks in the lines to prevent larger problems in the future. Smoke testing is one of the best, cost-effective ways to locate defects in main sewer lines and service laterals that connect to residences.

To prevent the possibility of smoke entering your home, ensure water has been run in your sinks and showers/tubs to put water in your P-traps. This acts as a blockage to keep smoke from coming out of the drains in your home.

Very unlikely; however, if there is a P-trap that is not holding water, or if additional lines within the home are un-trapped or defective, it may. In this case, you may want to contact a plumber to investigate.

Remember: If smoke can enter your home through your plumbing connection, potentially harmful sewer gases may also.

Homeowners do not need to be home and at no time will our field crew members enter a home.

Brunswick County's two drinking water treatment plants are designed to filter and kill all kinds of viruses including COVID-19 the Coronavirus. The EPA mandated through the Safe Drinking Water Act that all drinking water treatment facilities designed and built in the United States be able to inactivate viruses and bacteria. The disinfection process of using chlorine is very effective at inactivating (killing) viruses. The World Health Organization has recently published a technical document describing the Coronavirus as having a "fragile outer membrane" that is generally less stable and more susceptible to oxidants such as chlorine (page 2 of document).

See more information regarding COVID-19 and drinking water.

This can be caused by many factors within the home plumbing system and/or public distribution system. This discoloration is not a health risk. Run your tap for fifteen to twenty minutes, and if the problem persists, please call us at 910-253-2657.

The possible causes are:

• Flushing: Piping in the distribution system leading to your home may be rusty or have loose sediment, creating rusty-brown/murky water when disturbed. When valves in the public system are operated (opened or closed) rust and sediment can be dislodged. The operation of fire hydrants, flushing or routine maintenance in your area, and rust can also cause discoloration in the water.
• Water heaters and galvanized or iron plumbing: If you are having trouble and your neighbors are not, then your home plumbing or water heater may be the issue. Some common characteristics of a corrosion problem in your home plumbing include:
  • The discoloration is only in the hot water
  • The water is discolored every morning or when first used after several hours of disuse
  • The water clears after it has run for a few minutes
  • The discoloration is only at one or several faucets in your home, not all of them

Brunswick County is responsible for the service line from the water main at the street to the back side of the meter box, the tie-in point where the plumber/homeowner makes the connection. Please note that if the homeowner requests a service call for a leak and it is found to be on the customer's side, the County is not responsible for the repair. Furthermore, a fee for the site visit will be issued to the party responsible for the account. If the problem IS found on the County side, the repair will be made at no charge to the customer.

Your local health department should assist in explaining any tests that you need for various contaminants. If your local health department is unable to help, you can contact a state-certified laboratory to perform the test. To find a state-certified laboratory in your area call the Safe Drinking Water Hotline at 800-426-4791.

View these documents for more information:

• Important Facts About Your Water Meter (PDF)
• Lead In Drinking Water (PDF)

With a population nearing 160,000 residents and growing, Brunswick County is expanding its water treatment capacity and infrastructure to provide an adequate and reliable supply of water to support all of Brunswick County's residential, commercial, and industrial needs both now and in the future. More than 300,000 people are served by Brunswick County Public Utilities during the peak season (summer), including both county and wholesale customer service areas.

Brunswick County has several capital projects planned or being constructed to expand water capacity at our water treatment plants to accommodate or anticipate growth, including the expansion and reverse osmosis upgrades to the Northwest Water Treatment Plant (NWTP). The NWTP project will expand the conventional treatment facility from 24 million gallons per day (MGD) to 45 MGD and will provide a low-pressure reverse osmosis treatment capacity of 36 MGD. You can find more information about the project and its progress on our Northwest Water Treatment Plant page.

Brunswick County has also dedicated significant time and resources to updating its 20-Year Wastewater (Sewer) and Water Master Plans to continue to plan for future anticipated growth and strengthen our utilities systems. These plans, along with the 5-Year Capital Improvement Plan, which is updated annually as part of the budget process, help identify our utilities systems’ needs in relation to population growth.

Brunswick County has actively sought a solution to remove per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) from drinking water after the discovery of PFAS substances in the Cape Fear River in June 2017. Following review of multiple treatment options, the County selected low-pressure reverse osmosis and initiated a pilot scale system at the Northwest Water Treatment Plant to confirm water quality and PFAS removal. In April 2018, CDM Smith's reported that the pilot low-pressure reverse osmosis system reduced most PFAs to undetectable levels including PFOA, PFOS, and GenX. The project to install the new treatment system is currently under construction. You can find more information about the project and its progress on our Northwest Water Treatment Plant page.

NC government agencies are also working on all fronts to continue to reduce exposure to GenX and other PFAS. This includes continuing efforts to reduce emissions and discharges from the Chemours plant and efforts to reduce GenX and other PFAS as much as possible in drinking water. The NC Department of Environmental Quality's PFAS Roadmap details NCDEQ's priorities and planned actions to reduce PFAS in our state. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Key EPA Actions to Address PFAS webpage details actions taken by EPA since January 2021.

On April 10, 2024, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) published the final PFAS National Primary Drinking Water Regulation (NPDWR) for six per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). The EPA’s NPDWR established legally enforceable levels, called Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs), including individual MCLs for PFOA, PFOS, PFHxS, PFNA, and HFPO-DA, and a PFAS mixtures MCL containing at least two or more of PFHxS, PFNA, HFPO-DA, and PFBS.

• Final MCL for PFOA = 4.0 parts per trillion (ppt)
• Final MCL for PFOS = 4.0 ppt
• Final MCL for PFNA = 10 ppt
• Final MCL for PFHxS = 10 ppt
• Final MCL for HFPO-DA (GenX chemicals) = 10 ppt
• Hazard Index (HI) for mixture of two or more of PFNA, PFHxS, HFPO-DA, and PFBS = 1 HI

On June 15, 2022, the EPA published final drinking water health advisories (HAs) for perfluorobutane sulfonic acid and its potassium salt (together referred to as PFBS) and hexafluoropropylene oxide dimer acid (HFPO-DA) and its ammonium salt (together referred to as GenX Chemicals).

• Final Health Advisory for GenX chemicals (HFPO-DA) = 10 ppt
• Final Health Advisory for PFBS = 2,000 ppt

Brunswick County Public Utilities conducts routine water tests of our raw and treated water from the Northwest Water Treatment Plant for several PFAS compounds, including the six with NPDWRs and the two with HAs. All water test results are published on the County's website.

Based on the NPDWRs implemented in April 2024, water systems must take action to reduce the levels of these PFAS in drinking water if the levels exceed MCLs. Public water systems have 5 years to meet this new requirement.

In 2017, Brunswick County joined other utilities in the region to sue DuPont and Chemours. The County is seeking monetary damages from Chemours to hold it responsible for the millions of dollars it is spending to install a new treatment system necessary to remove PFAS contaminants. The lawsuit remains active and ongoing. Any proceeds received will be used for the benefit of all customer classes. How any proceeds from litigation would be used has not been analyzed nor determined at this time.

Brunswick County is absorbing some of the costs for the Northwest Water Treatment Plant infrastructure enhancements—therefore, all the project costs are not directly passed on through water rates. However, the County had to start making anticipated debt service repayments in 2022 for the installation of the reverse osmosis treatment system to remove unregulated PFAS contaminants like GenX chemicals from our water and to construct a new raw water line to increase capacity to the plant.

Yes. Developers pay System Development Fees (SDF), which are one-time fees for new permitted developments joining either or both of the County’s utilities systems. These fees help cover the costs associated with increasing Brunswick County’s treatment and transmission system capacity to accommodate the projected growth and additional demands on the system. Additionally, developers are responsible for installing the water distribution piping and sewer collections systems to serve their development projects.

The Brunswick County Board of Commissioners recently approved an increase to the County’s water and wastewater system development fees as part of the current Fiscal Year 2025 budget. The Board approved an increase to 90% of the maximum impact for these fees incrementally by July 2025 as identified in the most recent SDF analysis report. These fee changes will support the systems’ needs attributed to population growth as outlined and supported in the 20-year Water and Wastewater Master Plans and the 5-Year Capital Improvement Plan.

The average retail county water customer with a 3/4-inch meter uses 4,500 gallons of water per month. Under the current rate structure, the estimated bill is $34.68 for someone using 4,500 gallons (or $36.75 for 5,000 gallons). This does not include irrigation. This is well below the average bill of other North Carolina coastal communities of $41.04 (4,500 gallons) and the NC state median of $38.45 (5,000 gallons).

View the County's latest water and sewer rate schedule.

Community members can find the latest information and project status on the Northwest Water Treatment Plant Expansion and Reverse Osmosis Treatment Upgrades project webpage.

Overview

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a large group of man-made chemicals that have been used in industry and consumer products worldwide since the 1940s due to their unique properties, such as resistance to high and low temperatures, resistance to degradation, and nonstick characteristics. These chemicals have been used to make products that resist stains, grease, oil, and water.

Common Uses of PFAS:

• Non-stick cookware
• Food packaging
• Stain-resistant carpet and fabrics
• Water-repellent clothing
• Some firefighting foams
• Some cosmetics

The most commonly studied PFAS are perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA or C8) and perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS). The next most commonly studied are perfluorohexane sulfonic acid (PFHxS), and perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA). Most uses of PFOA and PFOS were phased out by U.S. manufacturers in the mid-2000s, although there are a limited number of ongoing uses. In addition, other countries may still manufacture and use them.

PFAS do not occur naturally but are widespread in the environment. PFAS can be found in the environment near areas where they are manufactured or where products containing PFAS are often used. During production and use, PFAS can migrate into the soil, water, and air. Most PFAS (including PFOA and PFOS) do not break down, so they remain in the environment. Because of their widespread use and their persistence in the environment, PFAS are found in the blood of people, animals, and fish all over the world and are present at low levels in a variety of food products and in the environment. Some PFAS can build up in people and animals with repeated exposure over time and can stay in people’s bodies for a long time.

In April 2024, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) established new drinking water regulations known as maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for six PFAS in drinking water: PFOA, PFOS, PFHxS, PFNA, and HFPO-DA as contaminants with individual MCLs, and PFAS mixtures containing at least two or more of PFHxS, PFNA, HFPO-DA, and PFBS using a Hazard Index MCL. The MCLs are part of the National Primary Drinking Water Regulations (NPDWRs), which are legally enforceable primary standards and treatment techniques that apply to public water systems. 

PFOA

Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) has been a manufactured perfluorochemical and a byproduct in producing fluoropolymers. Perfluorochemicals (PFCs) are a group of chemicals used to make fluoropolymer coatings and products that resist heat, oil, stains, grease, and water. PFOA was used particularly for manufacturing polytetrafluoroethylene, but since 2002, manufacturers have used a new process not requiring this chemical. PFOA persists in the environment and does not break down. PFOA has been identified in bodies of water and in a variety of land and water animals.

PFOS

Perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS) (PDF) is a synthetic, fully fluorinated organic acid; it is used in a variety of consumer products and is generated as a degradation product of other perfluorinated compounds. Because of strong carbon-fluorine bonds, PFOS is stable to metabolic and environmental degradation. PFOS is one of a large group of perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) that are used to make products more resistant to stains, grease, and water. These compounds have been widely found in consumer and industrial products, as well as in food items. Water resources contaminated by PFOS have been associated with releases from manufacturing sites, industrial sites, fire/crash training areas, and industrial or municipal waste sites where products are disposed of or applied.

GenX Chemicals

GenX is a trade name for a man‐made processing aid technology used to make high-performance fluoropolymers without the use of PFOA. Hexafluoropropylene oxide dimer acid (HFPO-DA) and its ammonium salt are together referred to as “GenX chemicals” because they are the two major chemicals associated with the GenX processing aid technology.

Because GenX chemicals can be used as a replacement for PFOA, they may be used in a similar fashion in the manufacture of the same or similar fluoropolymer end products (e.g., nonstick coating for cookware). GenX chemicals have been found in surface water, groundwater, drinking water, rainwater, and air emissions.

GenX is well-known in North Carolina. Chemours' facility in Fayetteville began producing GenX commercially in 2009 as a replacement for PFOA. The same chemical is also produced as a byproduct during other manufacturing processes, and it may have been present in the environment for many years before being produced commercially as GenX.

PFBS

Perfluorobutane sulfonic acid and its potassium salt (together referred to as “PFBS”) is considered a replacement for PFOS in chemical and product manufacturing. PFOS is a chemical that was voluntarily phased out (with some exceptions) by its primary U.S. manufacturer (3M Company) between 2000 and 2002.

PFBS is used primarily in the manufacture of paints, cleaning agents, and water- and stain-repellent products and coatings. PFBS has been detected in surface water, groundwater, and drinking water and has been found in dust, carpeting and carpet cleaners, and floor wax, foods including seafood (fish and shellfish) and vegetables, food packaging, indoor and outdoor air, soil, biosolids, and some consumer products.

PFOA and PFOS

On April 10, 2024, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) published the final human health toxicity assessments for perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS) and the final PFAS National Primary Drinking Water Rule (NPDWR) for six per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). The final 2024 PFOA and PFOS toxicity assessments report toxicity values that reflect the best available science and health effects information. The 2022 PFOA and PFOS interim drinking water health advisories (iHAs) no longer reflect the best available scientific information.

The EPA’s NPDWR established legally enforceable levels, called Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs), including individual MCLs for PFOA, PFOS, PFHxS, PFNA, and HFPO-DA, and a PFAS mixtures MCL containing at least two or more of PFHxS, PFNA, HFPO-DA, and PFBS.

GenX and PFBS

On June 15, 2022, the EPA published final drinking water health advisories (HAs) for perfluorobutane sulfonic acid and its potassium salt (PFBS) and hexafluoropropylene oxide dimer acid (HFPO-DA) and its ammonium salt (GenX Chemicals). In chemical and product manufacturing, GenX chemicals are considered a replacement for PFOA, and PFBS is considered a replacement for PFOS.

• EPA issued a lifetime noncancer drinking water health advisory (HA) for GenX checmicals of 10 nanograms per liter (ng/L) or 10 parts per trillion (ppt).
• EPA issued a lifetime noncancer drinking water HA for PFBS of 2,000 nanograms per liter (ng/L) or 2,000 parts per trillion (ppt).

Drinking water health advisory levels are non-enforceable and non-regulatory health-based values that are provided for informational purposes. While unenforceable, these advisories indicate the level of drinking water contamination below which adverse health effects are not expected to occur over specific exposure durations (e.g., one-day, ten-days, and a lifetime). Health advisories provide technical information that federal, state, and local officials can use to inform the development of monitoring plans, investments in treatment solutions, and future policies to protect the public from PFAS exposure.

HAs Currently Under Development

As stated in EPA’s PFAS Strategic Roadmap, PFAS contamination has impacted drinking water quality across the country, including in underserved rural areas and communities of color. Going forward, EPA anticipates developing HAs for additional PFAS or categories of PFAS as the Agency publishes toxicity assessments.

Under the Safe Drinking Water Act, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has the authority to set enforceable National Primary Drinking Water Regulations (NPDWRs) for drinking water contaminants and require monitoring of public water systems.

On April 10, 2024, EPA established legally enforceable levels, called Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs), for several PFAS known to occur individually and as mixtures in drinking water.

EPA set enforceable MCLs for five individual PFAS: PFOA, PFOS, PFNA, PFHxS, and HFPO-DA (also known as GenX Chemicals). EPA is also regulating, through a hazard index (HI), mixtures of four PFAS: PFNA, PFHxS, HFPO-DA, and PFBS.

EPA also finalized health-based, non-enforceable Maximum Contaminant Level Goals (MCLGs) for these PFAS.

Maximum Contaminant Level Goal (MCLG): The level of a contaminant in drinking water below which there is no known or expected risk to health. MCLGs allow for a margin of safety and are non-enforceable public health goals.

Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL): The highest level of a contaminant that is allowed in drinking water. MCLs are set as close to MCLGs as feasible using the best available treatment technology and taking cost into consideration. MCLs are enforceable standards.

ppt: parts per trillion

Hazard Index (HI): The Hazard Index is a long-established approach that EPA regularly uses to understand health risk from a chemical mixture (i.e., exposure to multiple chemicals). The HI is made up of a sum of fractions. Each fraction compares the level of each PFAS measured in the water to the health-based water concentration.

Based on the NPDWRs implemented in April 2024, water systems must take action to reduce the levels of these PFAS in drinking water if the levels exceed MCLs. Public water systems have 5 years to meet this new requirement.

Learn about additional actions taken by EPA since January 2021 on their Key EPA Actions to Address PFAS webpage.

Brunswick County Public Utilities Water Customers & Wholesale Municipal/Utility Water Customers

PFAS contamination is present throughout North Carolina. The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (NCDEQ) and North Carolina Department of Health and Human Service (NCDHHS) began investigating the presence of GenX chemicals in the Cape Fear River in June 2017. The Chemours Fayetteville Works Plant was identified as the company that produces the GenX chemicals for industrial processes.

Brunswick County Public Utilities regularly tests its raw and treated water for several PFAS compounds, including the six with National Primary Drinking Water Regulations (NPDWRs): PFOA, PFOS, PFNA, PFHxS, HFPO-DA, and PFBS. Test results are published on the County's website for transparency.

Note: As of June 2024, Brunswick County's current wholesale water customers include Bald Head Island, Holden Beach, Oak Island, and Ocean Isle Beach.

Private Well Users

If you live in the Fayetteville area or lower Cape Fear region, you may be eligible for free testing. Visit the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (NCDEQ) website or contact the Chemours Fayetteville Works Plant to request well testing:

• Brunswick, New Hanover, Pender, or Columbus counties: 910-678-1100
• Bladen, Cumberland, Robeson, and Sampson counties: 910-678-1101
• Those with GenX levels exceeding the EPA MCL or other PFAS contamination may be eligible for replacement drinking water supplies or filtration systems at no cost.

Other private well owners should regularly test their wells for various contaminants that may be impacting their well water. You can review NCDHHS’ PFAS Water Testing and Filtration Resources (PDF) list for more information on PFAS testing and filtration. Routine well testing information can be found on NCDHHS’ Well Water Testing FAQs webpage.

EPA provides training and technical assistance to private drinking water well owners. This includes test kits for emerging contaminants, including PFAS and assistance when test results indicate there is contamination.

Generally, the lower the levels, the lower the risk.

For GENX and PFBS:

• If above the Maximum Contaminant Level Goal (MCLG): The levels of GenX/PFBS in your water would increase the risk of health effects.
• If below the MCLG: The levels of GenX/PFBS in your water are not expected to increase the risk of health effects associated with these compounds.

For PFOA and PFOS:

The new EPA MCLGs for PFOA and PFOS are below levels that can be detected with current commercial laboratory testing. Therefore, any detection of either PFOA or PFOS in drinking water could represent an increased health risk.

Yes. Based on the current science, only a small amount of PFAS gets into your body through skin, so little PFAS exposure would come from showering, bathing, and similar activities.

Typical follow-up: What about brushing my teeth?

The amount of water ingested while brushing teeth is minimal relative to the amount of water typically consumed through eating and exposures from brushing teeth would present a minimal health risk.

Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs) and Maximum Contaminant Level Goals (MCLGs) are established for humans. It is up to each pet owner to decide whether to offer water with PFAS detections to pets or animals.

At this time, scientists are still learning about the health effects of exposure to mixtures of different PFAS. One way to learn about whether PFAS will harm people is to do studies on lab animals.

• Most of these studies have tested doses of PFAS that are higher than levels found in the environment.
• These animal studies have found that PFAS can cause damage to the liver and the immune system.
• PFAS have also caused birth defects, delayed development, and newborn deaths in lab animals.

Humans and animals react differently to PFAS, and not all effects observed in animals may occur in humans. Scientists have ways to estimate how the exposure and effects in animals compare to what they would be in humans.

Additional research may change our understanding of the relationship between exposure to PFAS and human health effects.

Breast milk from mothers with PFAS in their blood and formula made with water containing PFAS can expose infants to PFAS, and it may also be possible for children to be exposed in utero during pregnancy. Scientists continue to do research in this area. Based on current science, the benefits of breastfeeding appear to outweigh the risks for infants exposed to PFAS in breast milk. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) encourages women and people who are currently pregnant, nursing, or bottle feeding an infant with formula to consult with their physician regarding concerns related to feeding and potential exposure to chemicals such as PFOA, PFOS, GenX chemicals (i.e., HFPO-DA and its ammonium salt), PFHxS, PFNA, and PFBS. For more information about PFAS and breastfeeding, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)’s Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) encourages women and people who are currently pregnant, nursing, or bottle feeding an infant with formula to consult with their physician regarding concerns related to feeding and potential exposure to PFAS.

GenX & PFBS

The EPA’s Maximum Contaminant Level Goals (MCLGs) for these compounds were calculated for the most sensitive populations (e.g., infants). 

• If your drinking water contains GenX chemicals or PFBS below the MCLGs, then it is not expected to increase risk of health effects and can be used.
• If your drinking water contains GenX chemicals or PFBS above the MCLGs, consider using an alternative or treated water source for any activity in which your infant might swallow water.

PFOA & PFOS

The EPA’s new MCLGs for PFOA and PFOS are below levels that can be detected with current commercial laboratory testing. Therefore, any detection of either PFOA or PFOS in drinking water could represent an increased health risk and we would recommend using an alternate source or filtered water.

Based on the EPA's review of the science, exposures to these four PFAS (PFOA, PFOS, GenX, PFBS) above the EPA MCLGs can cause:

• Decreased liver function
• Decreased immune response and reduced vaccine effectiveness
• Decreased birthweight, behavioral changes of infants and children
• Increased risk of high blood pressure for pregnant women
• Increased cholesterol levels
• Increased risk of kidney and/or testicular

If you are concerned about specific issues with your health, talk with your healthcare provider. Information for health care providers is available from NCDHHS (PDF) and from the CDC's Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry.

Human health effects from exposure to low environmental levels of PFAS are uncertain. Studies of laboratory animals given large amounts of PFAS indicate that some PFAS may affect growth and development. Epidemiologic studies on PFAS exposure evaluated several health effects. See descriptions of these studies. More research is necessary to assess the human health effects of exposure to PFAS. (Information is from the CDC.)

Surveys conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) show that most people in the United States have been exposed to some PFAS. Most known exposures are relatively low, but some can be high, particularly when people are exposed to a concentrated source over long periods of time. Some PFAS chemicals can accumulate in the body over time.

Most exposures occur through consuming contaminated food or water. Only a small amount of PFAS can get into your body through your skin, so very little PFAS exposure occurs during swimming, bathing, or showering in water contaminated with PFAS. Although some types of PFAS are no longer used, many products such as food packaging, firefighting foam, and stain-resistant treatments still contain PFAS.

According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), people can be exposed to PFAS by:

• Working in occupations such as firefighting or chemicals manufacturing and processing.
• Drinking water contaminated with PFAS.
• Eating certain foods that may contain PFAS, including fish.
• Swallowing contaminated soil or dust.
• Breathing air containing PFAS.
• Using products made with PFAS or that are packaged in materials containing PFAS.

It is difficult to fully prevent PFAS exposure because PFAS are present at low levels in some foods and in the environment. However, there are steps you can take to reduce your PFAS exposure:

• If you live near known sources of PFAS contamination or your drinking water contains PFAS above the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) maximum contaminant level goals (MCLGs), you may want to use a different water source or filter your water before drinking, cooking, and preparing infant formula.
• NC DHHS has developed a PFAS testing and treatment factsheet (PDF). This factsheet provides information on available treatment systems that have been shown to reduce PFAS concentrations in drinking water.
• Reduce your use of products containing PFAS (packaged foods, products with non-stick or stain-resistant coatings, and some personal care products). If you have questions about the products you use in your home, contact the Consumer Product Safety Commission at 800-638-2772.
• Boiling water will not remove PFAS.

Visit the CDC website to learn more about PFAS Exposure Reduction.

There are many ongoing PFAS health studies in North Carolina and across the country. Although we don't currently have one location for summarizing PFAS studies, NCDHHS continues to engage with researchers at the forefront of PFAS research to evaluate new health and toxicity information as it becomes available and update our public health guidance when needed. Ongoing studies include:

• PFAS Testing Network efforts to better understand the extent of exposure from drinking water across our state
• GenX Exposure Study at North Carolina State University
• PFAS UNITEDD multi-university project headed by the Colorado School of Mines
• Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) Exposure Assessments and Multi-Site Health Studies

Brunswick County will only cut off water to a community if the Mayor of that community declares a mandatory evacuation. Even then, Brunswick County Public Utilities will not completely turn off water until such time as it is unsafe for staff to remain at these locations. If a less intense storm is anticipated, it may only be necessary to limit the flow to beach communities while still maintaining a minimum pressure. Any such decision is made jointly with officials in that town, based on storm decisions as they occur. Our goal is to maintain water availability throughout the storm, only shutting off water service to vulnerable beach communities well after a mandatory evacuation is declared in order to protect the integrity of the system in an effort to maintain both fire protection and potable (drinkable) water supplies.

Shutting off water to individual houses, especially those on the oceanfront, may provide some level of protection if plumbing pipes are damaged during the storm. However, care should be taken when this is done. Some household appliances, such as water heaters, require water to operate properly and may be damaged if left powered on without a water supply. Therefore, homeowners should consider powering off (shutting off appropriate breakers) if they choose to turn off the water at their house. The homeowner should use their home's private shut-off valve to the plumbing system to turn the water off; County equipment and valves in the meter box should not be tampered with. There is electronic equipment in the meter box that may easily be damaged by unauthorized personnel. It is worth noting that if a storm dictates that a mandatory evacuation be proclaimed for a community, Brunswick County will either limit the pressure or shut off the water to the community immediately after the storm's impact.

This is very unlikely. A typical grinder tank installed by Brunswick County has over 360 gallons of capacity above the point that the alarm comes on. Most single-family residential houses use much less water than during a typical day when showers, washers, dishwashers, etc. are being used. During a storm where power is lost, water usage is reduced considerably. Usually, showers, washers, dishwashers, etc. are not used when the power is out, thus extending the time it takes to fill the grinder tank.

In the event of an extended time period without power, Brunswick County has the ability to use vacuum excavation trucks to empty the grinder tank. In the case of a significant storm event requiring mandatory evacuation, it is expected that water usage will be minimal.

If you use a generator capable of running high water usage appliances, it is recommended that you also power the breaker(s) to your grinder pump stations. If the generator is capable and wired to energize the entire house, then the grinder pump will work as normal.

This is very unlikely. Typically, Brunswick County grinder pumps are part of a low-pressure system designed to have other similar-sized grinder pumps connected to the system. It is rare that a pump is not capable of pumping due to high pressure in a low-pressure collection system. However, if this occurs, as pumps turn off in the system upon emptying their basins, any pumps that are "dead heading" will eventually begin to pump down.

Your pipes are at risk of freezing any time temperatures drop below 32°F or 0°C.  You can prevent burst water pipes and costly repairs in your home by following these tips:

• Insulate pipes in unheated areas of your home and crawl spaces.
• Seal any gaps and cracks in your home’s exterior (such as crawl spaces) to prevent cold drafts from reaching your pipes.
• Disconnect water hoses from outdoor spigots. 
• Open doors to cabinets below sinks to help warmer air circulate around plumbing at night. It is also recommended to let a small amount of water drip from faucets to help keep water moving in the pipes to prevent freezing or to help during the thawing process to relieve stress on the pipes. 
• Towels soaked in warm water can be used to help the thawing process of any frozen spots. Use caution as to not create other slip or trip hazards and damage to the home.
• Always be aware of the main water shut-off valve location for your home in case you should experience a burst pipe and need to turn off your water. 
• If you do not know the location of your main water shut-off valve or do not have a shut-off valve, keep the Brunswick County Public Utilities numbers (or your local water provider) close by in case the water needs to be turned off at the meter due to a burst pipe.

If your water lines do freeze, please be careful when thawing the lines.

• Do not apply excessive heat which may damage pipes or cause a fire.
• Avoid using heating devices with open flames.
• Electric heaters and heat tape should be powered through a Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) in case the device comes into contact with standing or spraying water.

Contact Brunswick County Public Utilities (or your local water provider) if you need assistance.

If you have backflow devices and irrigations systems, you can protect them from freezing and prevent costly repairs by following these tips:

• Turn off irrigation systems to avoid creating icy sidewalks and driveways. If you must irrigate your lawn, it is best to do so when temperatures are above freezing.
• Exposed backflow assemblies for irrigation systems should be drained and removed.  
• Inspect the backflow assembly covers for cracks, holes, and splits. Make sure that the cover fits securely to the ground to prevent air infiltration.   
• If you do not or cannot remove the backflow assembly, drain the assembly of all water for the winter. Irrigation systems should be turned off at the shut-off valve and lines drained. Open the test cocks and shut-off valves on the assembly to discharge any water, leaving the valves open 1/8th of a turn. Fully closed or fully open valves will trap water behind the ball in the valve which could lead to freezing and damage to the valve.  
• Wrap old blankets or beach towels around the assembly for added protection during peak cold temperatures. 
• Exposed water lines to fixtures, such as outside showers, should be isolated and drained. Pour a small amount of RV/Marine antifreeze (Prestone, Peak, or equivalent) into drains/toilets that may be subject to freezing. Do not use standard automotive antifreeze/coolant.
• Know the location for the main irrigation shut-off valve and keep the Brunswick County Public Utilities phone numbers (or your local water provider) on hand in case of any burst irrigation lines.