PITTSBORO, N.C. — More than two weeks after the first warning that a potentially cancer-causing chemical was in the Haw River, tests in Pittsboro found more than double the amount considered safe.
Since Nov. 8, Pittsboro has been performing almost-daily tests for 1,4-D
ioxane after the City of Greensboro
warned communities downstream of contamination in the Haw. At first, town officials reduced the draw from the Haw in hopes that the contaminated water would float on by.
"We are confident it has passed, but there is still the possibility it hasn't reached us yet," he said on Nov. 11.
The Environmental Protection Agency advises that drinking water contain no more than 35 micrograms per liter of 1,4-Dioxane. On Nov. 12, a raw grab from the Haw River at Pittsboro showed it was present at 9.8 micrograms per liter. But by Nov. 17, a similar test found 80.7 micrograms per liter of 1,4-Dioxane.
Even after water was treated at the town's plant, it showed a level of 37.6, slightly higher than the EPA's threshold.
In a written statement, Kennedy wrote, "It is clear that 1,4-Dioxane contamination from Greensboro traveled slower than first anticipated and has reached and negatively affected the Town of Pittsboro’s raw water intake and overall water distribution system."
He says the town will "minimize" its draws of water from the Haw River.
Meanwhile, the town and Chatham Marketplace have agreed to soon let residents get water for free from the store's reverse osmosis system. Mayor James Nass said after town tests confirm that the reverse osmosis water at Chatham Marketplace is free of 1,4-Dioxane, it will be free to town water customers.
Sandy Koeval bought eight jugs.
"It's a bit inconvenient, but I'm happy to have this place to be able to buy it," she said.
Kelly Dalton was also loading up on store-bought water Tuesday.
"People are speaking up more. Citizens of Pittsboro are talking about this, so I'm hoping that will spur on leadership to get involved to actually go after the source of the problem," she said.
