Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances—commonly known as PFAS or "forever chemicals" — have become a widespread environmental concern across the country. But for Greensboro, North Carolina, the problem is not just environmental — it’s deeply personal. Residents have faced alarming levels of PFAS in their drinking water for years, raising serious health and safety concerns.
So why is Greensboro’s water contaminated by PFAS, and what’s being done about it? The answer lies at the intersection of industrial pollution, aging infrastructure, and delayed federal regulation.
IMPORTANT: Riddle & Riddle is actively investigating claims of PFAS contamination and potentially related cancer and other health problems in the Greensboro area and across North Carolina. For a free case review with an experienced attorney handling PFAS lawsuits in North Carolina, please call 1-800-525-7111.
What Are PFAS and Why Are They Harmful?
PFAS are a group of synthetic chemicals used since the 1940s in a variety of industrial and consumer and other products, including nonstick cookware, water-resistant fabrics, firefighting foams, and food packaging. Their chemical structure makes them resistant to water, heat, and oil, but also nearly impossible to break down in the environment or the human body.
This persistence is why they’re called “forever chemicals” — once introduced, they linger. Exposure to certain PFAS, especially PFOA and PFOS, has been potentially linked to serious health issues, including kidney and testicular cancer, liver damage, high cholesterol, immune system suppression, and potentially developmental delays in children.
The Scope of Contamination in Greensboro
For years, water samples taken from Greensboro’s Mitchell Water Treatment Plant have revealed PFAS levels that far exceed safety recommendations. In one 2023 test, the city detected PFOS levels at 35.6 parts per trillion (ppt) — nearly nine times the new federal limit set by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in April 2024, which established a maximum contaminant level of 4 ppt for both PFOA and PFOS in public drinking water systems.
Greensboro officials have confirmed that the contamination primarily affects water processed at the Mitchell plant, which sources much of its supply from the Haw River. Contamination levels at the city's other plant, the Townsend Water Treatment Plant, have been significantly lower by comparison.
The Industrial Connection
The contamination in Greensboro may largely be attributed to upstream industrial discharges along the Haw River. PFAS can enter water systems through runoff and wastewater from manufacturing sites, military bases, airports, and even landfills. In particular, industries using firefighting foam, metal plating, or textile manufacturing have historically been key contributors.
The EPA and North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (NCDEQ) have identified industrial sites along the Haw River and its tributaries as probable sources of PFAS pollution. These include facilities located in neighboring counties such as Alamance and Rockingham, which discharge treated wastewater that ultimately flows into the river and downstream into Greensboro’s water system.
Delayed Federal Regulations and Local Impact
One of the reasons PFAS contamination has persisted is the lack of enforceable federal standards until recently. While the EPA issued non-binding health advisories years ago, it wasn’t until April 2024 that the agency finalized enforceable limits for six PFAS compounds in drinking water.
This delay left local municipalities like Greensboro in a difficult position — aware of the contamination, but with limited funding and legal authority to take swift, large-scale action.
Now, under pressure to meet the EPA’s 2029 compliance deadline, Greensboro is investing millions in new water treatment infrastructure. In February 2025, the Greensboro City Council approved a $2.7 million contract for phase one upgrades at the Mitchell plant, including the replacement of carbon filters and the construction of new granular activated carbon (GAC) contactors designed to remove PFAS from the water supply.
Public Health Concerns and Legal Implications
Even as Greensboro works to fix the problem, residents remain concerned about the long-term health effects of past exposure. PFAS can accumulate in the body over time, and even low levels of exposure may be harmful, especially for vulnerable populations like children, pregnant women, and those with chronic illnesses.
While the city has taken steps to alert residents and improve transparency through regular water quality updates, many feel more needs to be done to address past harm. Some North Carolinians in other affected areas, such as the Cape Fear region, have already filed lawsuits against potentially liable chemical manufacturers. In Greensboro, legal avenues are still being explored as testing and investigations continue.
Our firm, Riddle & Riddle, is actively investigating these claims. Please call 1-800-525-7111 for a free case review by an attorney handling PFAS claims in North Carolina.
Greensboro’s Path Forward
The city has laid out a multi-year strategy to bring PFAS levels under control. After completing upgrades at the Mitchell plant, similar improvements are scheduled for the Townsend plant by 2029. Officials also plan to improve coordination with upstream municipalities and regulators to reduce PFAS discharges at the source.
In addition, Greensboro is participating in broader regional efforts, including collaboration with the NC PFAS Testing Network and compliance with new federal reporting requirements under the Safe Drinking Water Act. These collective actions are essential to safeguarding public health and restoring trust in the city’s drinking water.
What Residents Can Do
In the meantime, residents can take personal steps to reduce exposure:
- Consider using NSF-certified water filters that are proven to reduce PFAS levels
- Stay informed by regularly checking the City of Greensboro PFAS Updates
- Contact your healthcare provider if you’re concerned about PFAS-related health issues
You can also voice your concerns to local representatives to help ensure continued funding and urgency for infrastructure improvements and environmental protections.
Call for Accountability
PFAS contamination in Greensboro may be due to multiple, potentially liable parties. Potentially, it may be the result of systemic regulatory gaps, decades of industrial pollution, and an alleged failure to proactively manage chemical risks. As new regulations take effect, affected communities deserve not only safe water — but answers, accountability, and if warranted, compensation for the harm done.
If you or a loved one has suffered health issues potentially linked to PFAS exposure in Greensboro (or elsewhere in North Carolina), you may have legal options. Call 1-800-525-7111 for a free case review and let us evaluate your potential eligibility for a North Carolina PFAS lawsuit.
Why Riddle & Riddle for PFAS Contamination Claims?
With over 190 years of combined legal experience and more than $850 million recovered for our valued clients since 2000 alone, Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers stands ready to fight for those allegedly harmed by corporate and environmental negligence (see disclaimer below). Our team is committed to protecting your health, your home, and your future.
These claims are personal to us. Many of our attorneys and staff have close ties to Greensboro and live and work in areas affected by PFAS contamination. When Justice Counts™, count on the team at Riddle & Riddle.
Call 1-800-525-7111 today for a free case review and let’s see how we can help.
Contact a Personal Injury Lawyer from Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers for Help Today
For more information, please contact Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers to schedule a free consultation with a personal injury lawyer in North Carolina today. We have five convenient locations in North Carolina, including Greenville, Raleigh, Goldsboro, Jacksonville, Kinston, Charlotte, Greensboro, Durham, Fayetteville, Wilmington, Winston-Salem & Garner.
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