FIRST ON 3: Lead, iron found in VA clinic water

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — Records of water testing at the Wilmington VA clinic show high levels of metals, including lead, iron, copper and manganese.

The Cape Fear Public Utility Authority issued a “Do Not Use Water” advisory to the clinic March 23. In documents obtained by WWAY, water testing conducted within the facility on March 23 and 26 show levels in parts of the building well above state action levels. CFPUA conducted the testing, but because the contamination was not found outside of the facility, the VA is responsible for fixing the issue.

Veteran Jody Branhan says he noticed the changes at an appointment.

“I first started noticing cloudy water in the sink, and in the toilets,” Branhan said.

A CFPUA spokesman said subsequent testing was sent to the North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources but the levels have not changed. To see the chart showing the elevated levels, click here.

Branhan said these levels are more than concerning.

“The clinic’s pipes are only two years old,” Branhan said. “That kind of construction under the taxpayers bill. That’s really disappointing and that makes you wonder if the water pipes are going to go bad in two years what else is going to go bad?”

About a month ago, VA spokesman Jeffery Melvin said they have been unable to find the source of contamination. When contacted by phone today, Melvin said there’s been no change in the statement given to WWAY in late March. Melvin added the VA reported heavy metals in the water in that statement. In that original report, however, only copper was specified as a contaminant.

A CFPUA spokesman said the VA plans to flush the pipes this weekend. After one week CFPUA will then conduct another round of testing.

At the end of the day, Branhan said he just wants the problem fixed.

“I think it’s an issue that they need to hurry up,” Branhan said. “It’s been a disappointment since it opened up, and now this really is on the verge of being ridiculous.”

Melvin says the VA does not own the building, and the problem is the owner’s to fix. Tax records show the property is owned by Wilmington NC 2011 VA LLC. A search for that company led us to a construction company in Wisconsin that has done work for the VA. The company has not yet returned our call for comment.