Lead in drinking water at UO halls

Just over a week before Fall classes start, high levels of lead have been found in the water faucets of three University of Oregon residence halls – and there may be a fourth.

It was concluded that Barnhart, Walton and Hamilton halls all had elevated lead levels after yesterday’s water testing.  Bean Hall is suspected to also have elevated levels due to the age of building fixtures and the results have yet to show. 

UO has said: “Using those fixtures for washing is fine”, though they plan to replace the fixtures and retest the water.

The school has asked students not to drink or cook with any tap water, but use university-provided bottled water until repairs are made.  210 students had been expected to move into the halls yesterday, and around 2,150 will live in the four halls after the main move in day on September 22nd.

Linden Moore, 18, lived in Bean last year.

She said: “I didn’t notice anything when I was living there, but it’s sort of scary to think that water was been used to wash up everyday.”

The levels from the faucets sit around 15 parts per billion which is outside the level allowed for human consumption.
University Housing is making sure that all water used in dining facilities will be safe for consumption.
According to the EPA, Environmental Protection Agency, adverse effects of lead in the system can lead to behavioral and learning problems in children, and can cause premature birth in pregnant women.
More to follow as this develops.