LANCASTER COUNTY, S.C. — Efforts to improve the safety of drinking water are taking shape across the nation.
It comes as the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) cracks down on PFAS or so-called forever chemicals hoping to protect families from the potentially dangerous effects.
The new rules require the chemicals, which have been linked to illnesses, including cancers, be at the lowest level they can reliably be measured -- a move health leaders say will be costly and could take years to complete.
Already, more than 600 systems across the country were found to be at or above the new limit since last year, according to a study by USA Today.
While the results represent single samples and moments in time, Lancaster County, which was at the limit, said it's committed to making sure its water stays up to code.
"We will continue to operate as we always have, as a protector of public health that delivers high-quality drinking water to your taps," Lancaster County Water and Sewer District Manager Brad Bucy said.
In a press briefing on the matter, the S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC), which regulates every public drinking water system in the state, said dozens of systems representing roughly 2 million people are impacted by the change.
"Treatment is probably going to be the outcome for most of our water systems," Doug Kinard, Director of Drinking Water and Recreational Waters Protection with DHEC, said.
The agency added that it's a build-up of these chemicals that's so dangerous, and say it's not just water that has them.
According to DHEC, the majority of PFAS exposure comes from things like cookware, cosmetics, and even some clothing.
Stacy Blackmon, who lives in Lancaster County, said she's happy to hear new steps are being taken.
"Hearing that is a little scary, especially since we’re already at a risk from things in food, things in the air. So, now it’s like, ugh, you can’t even get a safe glass of water," Blackmon said. "Sometimes you just want a glass from the sink. So, I think it’ll be a lot healthier and safer for people.”
Utility companies will have the next few years to design and implement changes that meet the new requirements.
Contact Kayland Hagwood at khagwood@wcnc.com and follow her on Facebook, X and Instagram.