DEQ leading effort to ensure safety of drinking water in South Fork Roanoke River watershed

The Western Virginia Water Authority has identified GenX, a type of PFAS, in source water and drinking water in the South Fork Roanoke River watershed.

PFAS are widely used, long-lasting chemicals with components that do not break down naturally over time. The science regarding PFAS in the environment, including sampling methods and laboratory analysis, continues to evolve.

The Virginia Department of Environmental Quality is working with the Western Virginia Water Authority to confirm sources of the contamination and identify next steps.

The Virginia Department of Health has confirmed that PFAS levels in the drinking water are acceptable for residents to consume, and levels will continue to be monitored.

WVWA notified its customers in August of elevated PFAS levels found in their drinking water reservoir along the Roanoke River and in treated drinking water. Since then, DEQ and WVWA have been working to identify sources that may have contributed to the contamination.

Additional samples collected in October indicate that the source of the PFAS may be an industrial facility that discharges into the Elliston Wastewater Treatment Plant, which is operated by the Montgomery County Service Authority.

The treatment plant discharges water approximately five miles upstream from the WVWA water intake, and initial test results show significantly high levels of PFAS in water discharged from the plant to the Roanoke River.

Since detection of contamination in the Roanoke River earlier this year, WVWA has not pumped water from the river into the reservoir.

“DEQ, WVWA, and VDH are committed to quickly and efficiently utilize all necessary resources to protect human health and the environment,” said DEQ Director of Regional Operations Jeffery Steers. “DEQ and WVWA have notified the Elliston Wastewater Treatment Plant and their industrial user, and expect all necessary action to be taken to reduce and eliminate the source to the South Fork of the Roanoke River.”

VDH is coordinating additional funding and testing in the watershed to ensure the continued safety of drinking water. DEQ and WVWA will continue enhanced sampling of the river to evaluate the presence of PFAS and determine next steps.