Pittsboro begins regular operations after latest 1,4 dioxane release

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Testing results from the Pittsboro water distribution system delivered good news for the town’s water supply.

Results received by the town indicated that a minimal amount of the substance had entered the water supply system and the “slug” of 1,4 dioxane has passed by the town.

“The small portion that made it into our system is gone or rapidly decreasing, and any remaining 1,4 dioxane is heavily diluted or moved downstream,” a statement from Pittsboro officials said.

Out of an abundance of caution, the statement went on, minimal pulls from the Haw River continued through the end of last week and regular operations have resumed with weekly testing of the town’s water supply.

Results received on Friday, Feb. 2 showed no detection of chemicals at four of the five locations tested. At Million Gallon Tank, an amount of 1.18 µg/L was detected.

Pittsboro continues to offer free filtered water at Chatham Marketplace until 1,4 dioxane is undetectable at all of the town’s testing sites. The filtration system at Chatham Marketplace consists of both Reverse Osmosis (RO) and Ultraviolet Light (UV) filtration.

Customers may use Code 64261 to fill jugs and bottles for free. The staff at Chatham Marketplace asks that individuals bring jugs and bottles to fill from home, as only a limited supply is available for purchase at the store.

Chatham Marketplace, at 480 Hillsboro St. in Pittsboro, is open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sundays.