FIRST ON 3 UPDATE: CFPUA says VA info on clinic water testing incorrect

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — A spokesman with the Cape Fear Public Utility Authority said a recent news release concerning the contaminated water at the VA clinic in Wilmington was incorrect.

In the release sent to media outlets Wednesday, a VA spokesman said the owner of the building has determined the probable source of the high levels of metals in the water. The release went on to say after they conduct tests and additional water flushes to meet standards, CFPUA will be contacted to begin re-testing.

“The VA is responsible for water testing at the clinic.  The VA then must submit their test results to CFPUA for review,” Mike McGill said.

The release makes no mention of a timeline when the water will be able to be used for human consumption and medical or dental procedures. VA Spokesman Jeffery Melvin said that answer would have to come from the owners. Numerous phone calls made to the owner, Summit Smith HealthCare Services, have not been returned since WWAY first broke the story in late March.

“If the test results show that the findings of heavy metals are below actions levels for three consecutive weeks, CFPUA will then lift the Do Not Use notice,” McGill said. “To date, the VA has not submitted any data showing the findings of heavy metals are below action levels.”

Those samples will be checked weekly during that three-week period, McGill said. He added that they’ve been in contact with the VA about all of the above procedures.