The Haw River, stretching 110 miles, plays a crucial role in supplying drinking water to over 300,000 people across eight counties, including Orange, Chatham, Alamance, and Durham. The nonprofit Haw River Assembly is dedicated to protecting this vital resource and will share updates on the river’s health and policy actions at several events in February.
In mid-January, local residents and officials gathered at the Chatham Community Library for the Haw River Assembly’s annual State of the Haw Report. This presentation highlighted key factors impacting the river, from pollution levels to community cleanups. One major focus was the aftermath of Tropical Storm Chantal, which brought significant flooding, costing Orange County more than $50 million due to water damage.
Emily Sutton, Executive Director of the Haw River Assembly and River Keeper, pointed out that historic flooding worsened water quality issues. During the storm, some areas saw nearly 10 inches of rain. Afterward, well tests revealed that almost half of the samples from the community showed E. coli contamination. Sutton emphasized the need for better flood prevention measures, such as green infrastructure and wetlands, to protect the community.
The assembly is also actively tackling contaminants known as PFAS, or “forever chemicals,” which have plagued the river for years. Sutton noted that recent lawsuits have successfully lowered levels of PFAS and 1,4-dioxane in the Haw. The pollution primarily comes from untreated wastewater being discharged by industrial users, particularly at Burlington’s East wastewater treatment plant, leading to high PFAS levels in drinking water.
Jean Zhuang, a senior attorney with the Southern Environmental Law Center, discussed their investigation into the sources of PFAS at the plant. The team discovered that pollutants were coming from various industries connected to the sewer system. The successful legal efforts led to Burlington phasing out the industries responsible for the contamination, a significant win for local water quality.
Despite these victories, Zhuang acknowledged that work remains, particularly as similar issues persist in other areas like Greensboro and Reidsville. The Haw River Assembly is currently challenging a permit from Asheboro in an effort to further reduce 1,4-dioxane levels.
In addition to chemical monitoring, the assembly tracks various forms of pollution affecting the river. Last year, they collected over 24,000 pieces of trash, with a large portion coming from Durham’s Third Fork Creek. Sutton pointed out the importance of data collected during these efforts in advocating for policy changes, such as eliminating styrofoam, which comprised a large part of the trash collected.
Community involvement is key to making meaningful changes. Sutton urges residents to raise their voices, especially as proposed federal regulations like the Reins Act could make it harder for the Environment Protection Agency (EPA) to enforce water quality standards. The assembly plans to lobby against it in 2026, and Sutton invites community support in this effort.
“Legislators need to hear from their constituents,” Sutton explains. “It’s not just about one voice—it’s about many.”
The Haw River Assembly continues to encourage community engagement through cleanups and programs. They will host an open house on February 7 to celebrate over 40 years of advocacy and activism.
This ongoing commitment to preserving and improving the Haw River not only protects a vital water source but also strengthens the community’s connection to this essential natural resource. For more information about their work, visit the Haw River Assembly website.
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Chatham County,City of Asheboro,City of Burlington,Haw River,Haw River Assembly,Orange County,Pittsboro,Reins Act,SELC,Southern Environmental Law Center,State of the Haw Report,Tropical Depression Chantal
