ASHEVILLE, N.C. -- Initial testing from the Department of Natural Resources finds contaminated groundwater near Duke Energy's coal ash ponds. The Lake Julian and Cliffside power stations were amongst those with positive results. The levels of contamination exceeded state standards, but in almost every case the groundwater would be acceptable under federal standards, according to DENR. 87 out of 117 groundwater well tests came back with too much contamination. "I've had suspicions about it anyways, and I know a lot of research has been done over the years, and I know a lot of it has been inconclusive," said Paige Beratta, who lives near Lake Julian. The coal ash pond sits about 100 feet from her home. She's on city water, and still won't drink it. "We just, I don't, I've had concerns about it, we have one of those 5 gallon jugs that dispenses," said Beratta. Near Salisbury, the state sent letters to 19 homes and a church advising not to drink, or cook with their well water. In a statement Duke Energy said there is no proof coal ash is the reason for the contamination. According to Duke, contaminated water from coal ash would have boron and sulfates. These tests mostly came back with too much iron and manganese. "They're both naturally occurring, so, you know, in that way, I'd say it's not very surprising. Although, I'd say they still do exceed state groundwater standards," said Sarah Young, from DENR. Young says they won't know if Duke caused the contamination until the fall. Everybody who had their well tested will receive the results from DENR and a health evaluation from DHHS.

• published: 19 May 2015
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