It can’t be stated enough that the water quality in a community, whether through its drinking water or sewer system, that is consistently maintained is vital, not solely for one’s quality of life, but for one’s survival.

The Town of Victoria has been working with the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality to treat higher than permitted amounts of copper found in the east wastewater treatment center, located on Fifth Street, beginning in 2016.

Town Manager Rodney Newton noted that the levels are contained in the treatment facility, and is unrelated to the town’s drinking water.

While the copper discharge at the treatment center is being resolved, the DEQ has allowed an interim copper level discharge limit of 11 micrograms. This is higher than the current permit’s allowance of 5.7 micrograms.

The town, with the DEQ, are taking a rapid and necessary response to address this issue. Newton estimates that a proposal for a study is expected to be submitted by the town’s consultant to the DEQ July 6.

State and local collaboration is vital when it comes to issues in the sewer system. We continue to be encouraged and expect transparency on both the state and local level as this issue is being resolved.

Emily Hollingsworth is a staff reporter for The Kenbridge-Victoria Dispatch and Farmville Newsmedia LLC. Her email address is Emily.Hollingsworth@ KVDispatch.com.