GREENSBORO, N.C. — Recent water samples show drinking water running from the City of Greensboro to the Town of Pittsboro has concerning chemical levels. The chemical is called 1,4-Dioxane. According to the EPA, it could cause cancer if exposed to high levels.
The City of Greensboro's Water Reclamation Manager, Elijah Williams, shared more about the plans moving forward.
He said it is not impacting our water here in Greensboro, but it could affect people in the Town of Pittsboro. This chemical is an emerging contaminant, which Williams said it's still new and not fully regulated yet.
Since they found this chemical, there will be daily testing instead of weekly until it is under control.
Williams said a wastewater facility in Greensboro had higher levels of 1,4-Dioxane. He said this plant feeds into South Buffalo Creek. Williams said we should have levels at about 35 micrograms per liter, but in their testing, Williams said they found samples of about 52 micrograms per liter.
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"We do cover the costs for the testing for Pittsboro," Williams said. "We feel like since we are indirectly responsible for the exceedance, we would be a good neighbor and pay for the testing for our sister utility there."
Williams said the ramped-up testing cost about $7,000 a week. The Town of Pittsboro made residents aware of the chemical because, according to the EPA, it could be a possible carcinogen.
Williams said they'll keep testing the water until it meets standards.