IREDELL COUNTY, N.C. — Researchers discussed their findings on Thursday after testing the water of more than 700 residents in Iredell County.
The researchers from Virginia Tech and UNC Chapel Hill began testing well water in February.
Many neighbors told Channel 9 they were concerned about their health because of coal ash that is buried beneath Mooresville.
Concerns over thyroid cancer have plagued the area for years with many still asked how or if there's a connection to coal ash. The area has one of the largest concentrations in the state.
[PAST COVERAGE: Researchers test samples in Iredell County to ensure drinking water is safe]
"The thyroid cancer, and cancer in general. I never drink the tap water," resident Barbara Best said.
Instead, leaders said tests were only the first step.