Cary residents raise water quality concerns after reporting black slime, specks

Janet Lane, a Cary resident, recently raised concerns about black slime accumulating around her home’s faucets and drains. The substance, which Lane described as a slimy, black sludge, has led her to question the safety of the town's water supply.

Jamie Revels, utilities director for the town of Cary, addressed Lane’s concerns, stating, “The black slime is not related to the water quality coming from our system but is often a result of localized environmental conditions within the home.”

Revels assured WRAL News that Cary’s water meets all federal standards.

“We tested extensively and found no issues with metals or other contaminants in the water going into Lane’s home,” he said. He also noted that Cary tests its water system more than 70,000 times annually.

Other Cary residents have posted photos to Nextdoor showing black specks in the water and sludge around fixtures.

Revels said the black specks are often due to degrading plumbing systems within homes.

An independent test confirmed that the black slime Lane found in her home is linked to a type of fungus known as Scolecobasidium sp., which thrives in moist environments. According to experts, the fungus is commonly found on plumbing fixtures rather than in the water supply. It feeds on organic material such as soap scum or skin cells but does not typically indicate contamination of the water source.

Despite these assurances, Lane said she remains concerned. After rigorous cleaning and taking apart fixtures to disinfect them, she said the slime returns within days. Lane has since opted to drink bottled water.

An additional layer of scrutiny comes from a recent report by the Environmental Working Group (EWG), an advocacy organization. According to the EWG’s drinking water quality report, Cary’s tap water was compliant with federal health-based standards during the most recent assessment period, from January to March 2021.

The EWG report revealed that 12 contaminants detected in Cary’s water exceed the organization’s health guidelines, despite legal compliance. This discrepancy underscores the gap between federal regulations and the latest health recommendations. The EWG emphasized that “legal does not necessarily equal safe,” noting that legal limits for contaminants have not been updated in nearly two decades.

Cary’s water source is primarily surface water, and the utility serves a population of about 192,250 residents. The EWG report points out that while the water utility meets current federal standards, outdated regulations mean potential health risks are not always addressed. “The best way to ensure clean tap water is to keep pollution out of source water in the first place,” the report said.

Revels remains confident in Cary’s water management, emphasizing the utility's adherence to rigorous standards and proactive measures, such as “a robust multi-barrier treatment process and extensive testing for emerging contaminants like PFAS.”

The concerns raised by Lane have sparked broader discussions about water safety among North Carolina residents. Revels reassured the public that Cary’s water quality remains high and that the utility is committed to staying ahead of emerging contaminants.

“Our water quality is among the best, and we are continuously working to stay ahead of emerging contaminants,” Revels said.

For residents experiencing similar issues, Revels advises performing a deep cleaning of faucets and fixtures and contacting the utilities department for assistance and additional testing if needed.