Health dept. takes over Wilmington VA clinic water issue

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — After the attorneys representing the Wilmington VA clinic building owner sent a cease and desist order to CFPUA, the New Hanover County Health Department has now stepped in.

EHS Manager Dianne Harvell said the department issued an order Friday afternoon. She said under state law, the health director can step in on situations like the contaminated water concerns at the clinic.

This notice comes after attorneys representing Summit Smith Healthcare Facilities sent a letter to CFPUA saying they did not have the authority to issue a “Do Not Use Water” notice.

“Following our discussions with the Health Department, as well as with the VA, it was agreed that the New Hanover County Health Department would take over overall responsibility for the Do Not Use notice,” said CFPUA Spokesman Mike McGill.

The original notice was posted in late March after discolored water was reported in the facility. High levels of metals like iron were discovered in the water. The contamination is coming from an internal plumbing issue, not the water supply.

The VA has asked for prorated rent and damages due to the water issues. The VA pays approximately $275,000 a month to lease the facility.

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