Fayetteville Public Works Commission and Cumberland County Announce Project to Provide Clean Drinking Water to Gray’s Creek
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, N.C. (WTVD) — Fayetteville Public Works Commission (PWC) and Cumberland County officials announced a major project on Friday to bring clean drinking water to Gray’s Creek, a neighborhood exposed to forever chemicals.
PWC is expanding its current water system to provide source water and service as part of the agreement, starting with Gray’s Creek Elementary and Alderman Road Elementary.
“This is a long-term effort,” said Timothy Bryant, the CEO/General Manager of Fayetteville PWC. “This is not something that is going to happen next week or next month. But we have all the makings to make this happen right now to bring water to this region in a very timely manner.”
This project aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) set by the United Nations, specifically SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation. By providing clean drinking water to Gray’s Creek, approximately 75,000 people will benefit from improved access to safe and sustainable water sources.
Impact on the Community
- This project will impact about 75,000 people in Gray’s Creek.
- Residents like Debra Stewart, who has been living in Gray’s Creek since 1980, express their struggles with the contaminated water and the long-term effects it has had on their health.
- Mike Watters, a staunch advocate for clean water, acknowledges the efforts of the county and PWC in addressing the issue of forever chemicals in Gray’s Creek. However, he also shares his personal health problems that he believes are a result of the contaminated water.
National Standard to Limit Forever Chemicals
The announcement comes two days after the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced a new national standard to limit PFAS, also known as ‘forever chemicals’, in drinking water. This development further emphasizes the importance of addressing water contamination issues and aligns with SDG 6.
The rule is the first national drinking water limit on toxic PFAS, or perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances, which are widespread and long-lasting in the environment.
By taking action to provide clean drinking water to Gray’s Creek, Fayetteville PWC and Cumberland County officials are contributing to the achievement of SDG 6 and ensuring access to safe and sustainable water for their community.
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SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
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SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation
- Target 6.1: By 2030, achieve universal and equitable access to safe and affordable drinking water for all.
- Indicator 6.1.1: Proportion of population using safely managed drinking water services.
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SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
- Target 3.9: By 2030, substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water, and soil pollution and contamination.
- Indicator 3.9.1: Mortality rate attributed to household and ambient air pollution.
Analysis
The article discusses the efforts of the Fayetteville Public Works Commission (PWC) and Cumberland County officials to bring clean drinking water to Gray’s Creek, a neighborhood exposed to forever chemicals. This issue is connected to SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation, which aims to achieve universal access to safe and affordable drinking water for all.
The specific target under SDG 6 that can be identified based on the article’s content is Target 6.1: By 2030, achieve universal and equitable access to safe and affordable drinking water for all. The expansion of PWC’s water system to provide clean drinking water to Gray’s Creek Elementary and Alderman Road Elementary is a step towards achieving this target.
The article mentions the impact of this project on approximately 75,000 people in the region. This can be considered as an indicator, although not explicitly mentioned, to measure progress towards Target 6.1. The proportion of the population benefiting from the expanded water system can be used as an indicator to assess the achievement of universal access to safe drinking water.
In addition to SDG 6, the article also indirectly addresses SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being. The presence of forever chemicals in the neighborhood’s water has led to health problems for residents. SDG 3 aims to reduce deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and pollution. The specific target under SDG 3 that can be identified based on the article’s content is Target 3.9: By 2030, substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water, and soil pollution and contamination.
The article does not provide specific indicators related to Target 3.9. However, the personal experiences shared by residents, such as health issues attributed to contaminated water, highlight the need for addressing this target.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation | Target 6.1: By 2030, achieve universal and equitable access to safe and affordable drinking water for all. | Indicator 6.1.1: Proportion of population using safely managed drinking water services. |
| SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being | Target 3.9: By 2030, substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water, and soil pollution and contamination. | Indicator 3.9.1: Mortality rate attributed to household and ambient air pollution. |
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Source: abc11.com
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