Hey friend, it’s been a minute, huh? I feel like every time we catch up, I end up talking about water. But can you blame me? It’s literally everywhere, our coffee, our showers, our cooking, even the ice in our drinks. We don’t want to bring this to anyone’s attention to scare, rather than inform. We think an informed client is the best client and how do you treat something you do not know about.
Let’s talk about GenX… and no, not the generation sandwiched between Boomers and Millennials. I mean the toxic chemical that got dumped into the Cape Fear River like it was just another Tuesday. It’s been creeping through North Carolina’s drinking water supply for decades, and if you live anywhere in NC or even parts of SC, you’ve probably been drinking it, showering in it, and cooking with it without realizing.
What Even Is GenX?
Alright, I’ll keep this simple: GenX is part of a nasty group of chemicals called PFAS (also known as “forever chemicals” because they don’t break down easily). They’re used to make things like nonstick cookware, waterproof clothes, and even food packaging. Basically, if something repels grease or water, there’s a good chance it’s got PFAS in it.
And where did GenX come from? A little company called Chemours, which spun off from DuPont… yeah, that DuPont, they dumped this stuff into the Cape Fear River, contaminating the drinking water of hundreds of thousands of people before anyone even realized what was going on.
And the worst part? We still don’t fully understand the long-term health effects, but early studies link PFAS exposure to cancer, liver damage, immune system issues, and even reproductive problems. Super fun, right?
Wait… Does This Affect Me?
If you’re in Wilmington, Fayetteville, or anywhere downstream from the Cape Fear River, GenX has been in your water. But here’s where it gets tricky: PFAS don’t just stay in one place. They can travel through groundwater, make their way into food, and even show up in rainwater.
And if you’re in South Carolina thinking you dodged this mess, not so fast. Many SC water systems pull from rivers that connect to the Cape Fear, and PFAS contamination isn’t just a North Carolina thing, it’s been found nationwide, including in Charleston, Myrtle Beach, and even small towns that rely on well water. I highly recommend the movie “Dark Waters” if you would like to understand more about how we came to learn about PFAS in water.
What’s Being Done About It?
Here’s the (somewhat) good news: People finally started paying attention. North Carolina sued Chemours, forcing them to clean up their act (literally). Now, Brunswick County is investing in a massive Reverse Osmosis (RO) water treatment system, a project that will make it the second-largest RO plant in the country. When it’s done, it’ll reduce a huge chunk of these chemicals from the water.
But here’s the catch: It’s not done yet. And even when it is, not everyone in the Carolinas gets their water from that system.
(Sidenote: One thing I can say is, I personally wouldn’t trust anyone that uses the word “remove” over “reduce” because at the end of the day, PFAS and the levels are something we are constantly learning more and more about each day… The regulations recently changed too. So if you are looking for an ethical water treatment supplier, I am a firm believer that the verbiage they use, truly matters.)
So…What Can You Do?
Look, I hate being the bearer of bad news, and I never intend to scare… but ignoring this isn’t an option. So, here’s what you can do right now:
Final Thoughts (And a Little Rant)
Honestly, it blows my mind that we even have to fight for clean water. Like, it’s 2026… why is this still happening?! But here we are, dealing with the consequences of corporations putting profits over people.
The good news? We’re not powerless. The more we know, the better we can protect ourselves and our families. So if you’re sitting there wondering, Wait, is my water safe? Your water is treated at the municipality, and they do a great job, but you are the final barrier between your water and home, so why not use water filtration as an extra peace of mind? Water is a huge part of our life, so why not try to get the best water you can.
And hey, if you’ve got questions, drop ’em in the comments or shoot me a message. I’ll be over here, sipping my filtered water putting the money I save from not buying water bottles into my gas tank, every dollar matters that is for sure lol.
Stay hydrated, y’all.
Nat
