Nearly 1,000 households near North Carolina coal ash facilities to receive alternate drinking water

State environmental officials say they have notified well owners within half a mile of coal ash facilities that they will receive a permanent alternative drinking water supply.  Official say letters went out to 1,000 households. 
“North Carolina continues to lead the nation in addressing the decades-old problem of coal ash,” said Tom Reeder, assistant secretary of the state environmental department. “As we work toward closing every coal ash pond in the state, we are providing residents with the peace of mind that comes from receiving alternate water connections.” 
Governor McCrory signed legislation in July that require Duke Energy to install and pay for new water supplies to households located near coal ash ponds as soon as possible, but no later than the fall of 2018.