The Greenbrier County Health Department has lifted the advisory that was issued on July 2 for the Greenbrier River downstream from the Ronceverte Sewer Plant. The plant is now functioning at normal capacity with satisfactory discharge sample readings. An additional sample downstream also provided a satisfactory reading; however one bathing beach in the Alderson area under permit with the health department remains closed due to a sample revealing bacteriological contamination. This contamination is not believed to be related to the sewer plant.
Area residents with wells or other private water supplies in areas that received flood waters or in an area that may have been subject to contamination related to the July 2-15 Greenbrier River Advisory are still encouraged to disinfect their wells and private water supplies using unscented regular strength household bleach.
Disinfection instructions are available at http://www.wvdhhr.org/phs/forms/sg-80_disinfecting_water_supply.pdf. Gallons of bleach are still available at the Greenbrier County Health Department free of charge to anyone needing to disinfect their well or private water supply as a result of the flood or river contamination.
Bacteriological contamination of water may cause illness in some individuals, particularly children, the elderly, and those with compromised immune systems. Individuals with wells or other private water supplies that were impacted by flood waters or individuals with a history of recreational water use or that have wells or other private water supplies that may have been subject to contamination in the affected part of the Greenbrier River related to the July 2-15, 2016, Greenbrier River Advisory who have developed a gastrointestinal illness subsequent to June 23, are advised to consult their physician. Physicians who suspect waterborne illnesses should conduct appropriate lab testing and report communicable illnesses that are outlined in the state reportable disease rule to the patient’s home county health department.
