Officials with the Fayetteville Public Works Commission (FAYPWC) in North Carolina are warning that further water rate hikes are possible if $60 million in federal funds frozen by the Trump administration aren’t made available to build a new water filtration system to eliminate per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, or PFAS, from local drinking water.
Newsweek reached out to FAYPWC by phone and to the White House by email for comment.
Why It Matters
In 2023, the United States Geological Survey (USGS) published a multiyear study that revealed a concerning frequency: one or more PFAS chemicals appeared in tap water from both private wells and the public water supply serving nearly half of U.S. homes.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) introduced legally enforceable limits for some PFAS compounds last year, prompting municipalities around the nation to take a closer look at their water treatment systems. In some areas, this has prompted water rate hikes. Others were awarded federal funds to help with the projects, but in some cases, those funds have been frozen.
PFAS encompass thousands of man-made chemicals found in everyday items such as nonstick cookware, firefighting foams, grease-resistant food wrappers and water-resistant clothing. PFAS, known as “forever chemicals” because of the long time it takes them to break down, can cause harm in high exposure amounts.
During the breakdown process, PFAS can seep into the soil and water supply. These chemicals threaten the water supply when products containing them are dumped onto the ground or into lakes and rivers.
What People Are Saying
PWC Board chair Chris Davis said, according to the WRAL News report: “These funds are needed to construct the granular activated carbon filtration system that we’re working on. If the federal funding support goes away, it’s apparent that PWC’s only option is to look at rates.”
FAYPWC CEO Tim Bryant told WRAL News: “The frozen funds are not impacting PWC operations. The funds, or lack thereof, will have a direct impact on future rates as costs not offset by federal and/or state funding must be borne by ratepayers.”
What Happens Next
City officials and PWC leaders continue to appeal to lawmakers for help, urging that the freeze be lifted before residents are forced to shoulder more of the financial burden. Legal experts and environmental advocates are also scrutinizing the legality of the executive order, which some argue could put utilities at risk of violating federal water safety laws.
It is unclear when the frozen funds might be made available or if they’ll be revoked. Further rate hikes are cause for concern, as water rates are already slated to see a 5.5 percent increase on May 1.