City of High Point investigates contaminants found in wastewater

The city of High Point is working to identify the origins of contaminants found in its wastewater stream.

Tests from the Eastside Wastewater Treatment Plant found elevated levels of a carcinogen called 1,4 Dioxane in May.

Public Services Director Robby Stone says the chemicals found are commonly seen in consumer goods. Byproducts can end up in the city's wastewater systems. Stone says tests have been conducted over the past year to find ways to reduce this.

"Part of the challenge is reaching out and identifying, 'Well where is this coming from?'" Stone says. "And trying to identify who may be utilizing this product or who may be, you know, utilizing multiple products that then are combining to form some of the emergency contaminant chemicals."

The plant releases treated wastewater into Randleman Lake, which provides drinking water for High Point, Greensboro, Jamestown, Archdale, Randleman, and Randolph County.

Stone says there is no cause for immediate concern but the city is working alongside the state to reduce or remove the chemicals.