‘Most fixtures tested are fine’: UO emails students following elevated lead levels in drinking water
They say avoiding the water will ‘avoid confusion’
After nearly a week of inspections, UO has finally emailed students about their next steps since lead was found in drinking water samples taken from Bean, Hamilton, and Walton residence halls.
They said: ‘We care deeply about your health and peace of mind, and want to keep you informed about our findings’.
With the official move in day two days away, University of Oregon students have been issued a warning to stay away from faucet-sourced water, but say it’s largely a “precautionary” measure.
The recommendation for all occupants of these buildings to avoid using water for drinking and cooking is largely precautionary, and helps to avoid confusion. Most fixtures tested are fine.
‘Testing, repair, and replacement of fixtures is continuing, and residents will be notified as the lead issues are corrected”.
The message also stated the university is providing alternatives to daily routines – the school will supply water from bottles to compensate.
The email said: “Until further notice, please do not use water from bathroom faucets or drinking fountains in these buildings for drinking, teeth brushing, or cooking.”
Included at the bottom was more information about the dangers of elevated lead content in water.
Barnhart is one of the halls affected
“Lead in water is a concern because high lead levels can contribute to negative health effects especially for pregnant women, infants, and young children under 6 years old.”
The standards for testing were also released and according to officials, schools need to take action if their lead levels count more than 20 parts per billion (ppb).
“In the initial testing results we have seen from our buildings, nearly 80 percent of fixtures tested have not shown elevated lead levels.”
They said: “The EPA standard for lead levels in Public Water Systems is 15 ppb, and that is the level the UO is using in its voluntary initial testing, to trigger follow-up testing and possible plumbing repairs or replacements.”
However, dining halls have said to not have been affected and students are clear to consume water from those areas.