Drinking Water Disparities in North Carolina Communities Served by Private Wells

Abstract

Background: In the United States, most private wells are not tested for contaminants, especially in low-income communities, unless state or local testing regulations have been enacted. Few studies have addressed whether Black, Indigenous, and other People of Color (BIPOC) experience similar burden disparities in testing and private well stewardship. Methods: Focusing on four North Carolina regions impacted by 2018 hurricanes (Florence and Michael), researchers and community-based organizations partnered to assess: (1) contamination levels of metals in private wells and (2) differences in water quality and well stewardship among demographic groups. Results: Well tests revealed contamination exceeding a federal or state standard or public health goal in more than 67% of the samples. Of 476 private well users enrolled in this study, 44% (n = 209) had previously tested their drinking water, yet more than 58% (n = 192) reported having a treatment system installed. White, high-income households had over 10 times greater odds of testing their private wells, and over 4 times greater odds of treating their drinking water than BIPOC, low-income households. Discussion: In this study, private well testing and treatment levels were significantly predicted by race and income (p < 0.05). Although high contamination levels (67%) were equally distributed across the sample, the lack of private well testing and treatment means BIPOC, low-income groups may experience greater burden disparities in exposure to toxic metals in drinking water. Conclusions: Well-reliant populations in socially and economically marginalized communities will likely remain unaware of potential exposure to contaminated drinking water absent focused efforts to encourage well testing and treatment.