FIRST ON 3 UPDATE: Water testing starting over at VA clinic
WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — Testing to lift the Do Not Use Water Advisory at the Wilmington VA clinic is starting over. This, after the CFPUA said the second round of tests produced results that were not in the EPA’s standards of consumption.
“Having reviewed the results, I have some concern in regards to area B (room 1241) where the levels are in excess of public water supply limits for compliance,” Jim Tayson, the distribution and construction manager at CFPUA said in an email to the facility. “It is my position that this room is connected to other faucets in the facility. Having this information supports the belief that if a condition still exists there, and that is a distinct possibility, that potential contaminates can flow downstream as area B is in such close proximity to the entry point to the facility.”
Fayetteville VA Medical Center Director Elizabeth Goolsby said while they are disheartened by the news, they say safety is the top priority.
“We were optimistic that our building owner, Summit Smith Health Care, had resolved this perplexing issue and we were moving closer to providing our veterans the full range of quality services we offer,” Goolsby said. “We thank our veterans who are showing remarkable patience during this ordeal and we thank CFPUA for their diligent oversight of the testing process.”
CFPUA issued a Do Not Use Water advisory in late March after high levels of metals including iron were found in the water supply. 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.
Last week, the clinic passed the first round of tests. McGill said there must be three weeks of consecutive successful testing before restrictions can be lifted
Leave a Reply