FIRST ON 3 UPDATE: First test of Wilmington VA clinic water underway

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — The director of the Fayetteville VA says the first results of water tests at the Wilmington facility should be in this week. If they fit in the proper guidelines, a three-week testing period will be underway on the path to lift water restrictions.

CFPUA issued a Do Not Use Water advisory in late March after high levels of metals including iron were found in the water supply. To see a chart showing those levels, click here. Earlier this month, VA Spokesman Jeffery Melvin said after representatives with Summit Smith HealthCare Services conducted tests, they said the incompatibility between the connectors and pipes caused a chemical reaction that is the source of the contamination.

The update today from Director Elizabeth Goolsby said the first test to check the water was conducted last week and the results should be in mid-week. If the results are within the EPA’s requirements, they’ll do another test on June 19 and June 26. Goolsby said if these tests pass, they expect the water restrictions will be lifted by early July.

“Working through every pipe, joint, fitting, and faucet has been time consuming; however, the intense effort in changing plumbing parts containing dissimilar metals and flushing the lines appears to be paying off,” Goolsby said.

Last week, both Senator Richard Burr and Senator Thom Tillis put in requests for updates on this investigation WWAY has been following since March.

The VA leases the building from Summit Smith Health Care Services, based in Milwaukee. Numerous phone calls made to that company’s owner have not been returned.