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Water is processed inside large reservoirs designed to remove forever chemicals, known as PFAS, at Sweeney Water Treatment Plant in Wilmington, N.C., Monday, April 28, 2025. (AP Photo/Ben McKeown)

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Pelicans sit on a dock in the Cape Fear River, which supplies water to much of New Hanover County in Wilmington, N.C., Monday, April 28, 2025. (AP Photo/Ben McKeown)

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Chris Meek, who survived cancer he suspects was caused by forever chemicals known as PFAS in drinking water, stands in front of the Cape Fear River in Wilmington, N.C., Monday, April 28, 2025. (AP Photo/Ben McKeown)

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The Cape Fear River, which supplies water to much of New Hanover County, flows past downtown Wilmington, N.C., Monday, April 28, 2025. (AP Photo/Ben McKeown)

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Tanks hold water at the Sweeney Water Treatment Plant as the Northeast Cape Fear River flows past in Wilmington, N.C., Monday, April 28, 2025. (AP Photo/Ben McKeown)

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Equipment sits inside the Sweeney Water Treatment Plant, which processes water for much of New Hanover County in Wilmington, N.C., Monday, April 28, 2025. (AP Photo/Ben McKeown)

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Water is processed through carbon filters inside large reservoirs designed to remove forever chemicals, known as PFAS, at Sweeney Water Treatment Plant in Wilmington, N.C., Monday, April 28, 2025. (AP Photo/Ben McKeown)