Via WWAYTV 3
WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — Almost five months later, there has still been no resolution in the ongoing issues with the water at the Wilmington VA Clinic. US Representatives David Rouzer and Walter Jones said they are continuing to look into the problem, as test results continue to show metal in the water.
Rep. Rouzer was in Wilmington today speaking at an event to raise awareness for Alzheimer’s. Rep. Jones was in Downtown Wilmington to attend a business mixer.
“I’ve tried to be as forceful an advocate as possible,” Rouzer said about the topic.
“I don’t know what the problem is and I think that’s why local and federal governments are trying to figure it out,” Jones said about the issue.
Experts said a chemical reaction within the pipes caused the problem in the building. It’s a building the VA leases for about $280,000 a month from a company in Wisconsin. The New Hanover County Health Department’s most recent test still showed high levels of copper in the water.
“At some point you will have to go to the owner of the facility and ask what they’re going to do,” Jones said.
The owners have never responded to WWAY’s request for comment. So while the water stays off, Rep. Rouzer said he’s thinking of those impacted the most by this issue — the vets.
“That’s the most pressing issue in my mind,” Rouzer said. “There are so many veterans there that can’t be treated because of the water issue.”