WRWD seeking compensation from companies over water contamination
Right here in Woodruff, a water utility by the name of the Woodruff-Roebuck Water District (WRWD) has taken a bold step to safeguard our water supply. They’ve just filed a lawsuit against 14 companies, alleging that their operations have led to the pollution of local waterways with “forever chemicals”.
The lawsuit comes in the wake of a 2020 report from state health officials that found WRWD’s water source contained pollutants exceeding limits declared by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). These limits were set for six types of manufactured perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), known for their stubborn persistence in the environment, hence the tag — “forever chemicals”.
PFAS levels are allowed up to 4 parts per trillion – that’s like four drops of food coloring in over 100 Olympic-sized swimming pools. But why the fuss, you ask? PFAS contamination has been linked to various health issues like heart and liver problems, cancers, and developmental issues in kids. So, you can see why this is a big deal.
WRWD claims that these companies have continuously discharged products containing PFAS into our local rivers – the North, Middle, and South Tyger Rivers. Therefore, the lawsuit is demanding these companies to stop the discharges, and asking for financial compensation to cover the cost of treating the water and legal fees.
Federal rules set to go in effect by 2029: Who pays the price?
Here’s the thing– starting from 2029, water utilities will have to abide by the EPA limits for PFAS in the water. To get there, our water utility has stated that new filtration technology is needed to filter out these stubborn chemicals. But the issue is, these technologies don’t come cheap.
In fact, another utility, Charleston Water System, anticipates spending at least $130 million! And for water systems across our nation, the bill could tally around $1.5 billion annually. That’s where WRWD’s lawsuit comes in, pressing these companies to cover the cost of new filtration technology.
Now, let’s talk lawsuit progress. So far, GTI Chemical Solutions, Toray Composite Materials America, and Waste Management of South Carolina, three of the 14 accused companies, have replied, refusing any responsibility for the contamination and rallying for the case to be dismissed. The timeline for the case remains fuzzy, depending on various factors like information gathered and discussions held among parties. The venue for proceedings is also yet to be decided.
The ripple effect of the lawsuit
Interestingly, WRWD is the only water utility in Spartanburg County that isn’t already in compliance with the impending federal rules. Spartanburg Water, the county’s biggest water provider, started testing for PFAS in 2020 and has thankfully been in the clear thanks to its uncontaminated water sources.
However, this situation might lead to a ripple effect in the industry, and not necessarily in a good way. Increased costs to meet the new EPA standards could be shifted to customers through rate increases. And our case isn’t solitary. Similar lawsuits have been filed by other public drinking water systems across the country, including those in California.
In the end, it seems like there’s a hefty bill coming for either the accused companies or water utility customers. Folks, it looks like our water battles are just beginning. But for now, stay tuned, and I’ll keep you posted as conditions develop in this legal hullabaloo.
