Elevated levels of lead were found in eight faucets on the
Gavilan College campus.
Elevated levels of lead were found in eight faucets on the Gavilan College campus.
During a set of routine tests in August, an analysis of several water samples collected about campus revealed that water from eight faucets contained levels of lead and one faucet contained levels of copper above the Environmental Protection Agency’s action level of 15 parts per billion – or 0.015 milligrams of lead per liter of water.
Lead typically enters drinking water as a result of the corrosion of pipes and plumbing containing lead. It is rarely found naturally in water supplies like rivers and lakes. When ingested, lead can cause damage to the brain, red blood cells, kidneys and nervous system. Young children are particularly vulnerable to lead poisoning.
Gavilan has taken steps to notify its faculty and students by distributing an e-mail to all college employees and notifying students through brochures and the campus Web site.
Faucets in the business, chemistry, life sciences and adapted PE rooms, along with the gymnasium, theater and Maycock House tested above the EPA’s action level. Several topped out at nearly double the legal limit. An analysis of the school’s water supply at the well revealed levels of lead below the legal limit, indicating that the substance is entering the water through the fixtures or plumbing lines. The affected faucets are being replaced this week, officials said.
A Gavilan spokeswoman said the cost of fixing the problem will run about $20,000, which will not come from the general fund. Instead, Gavilan will apply to the state for scheduled maintenance funds.
“We have every reason to believe it will be funded that way,” Jan Bernstein Chargin said.
More information can be found online and in the student center, security office, child development center and gym. To ensure campus safety, the college is having all the drinking fountains, and child development and kitchen faucets tested. A follow up test will be conducted on the eight faucets and an additional 18 faucets around the campus. The college is implementing a program to check water lines for corrosion and asked to be notified if someone wants a particular faucet tested. Letters will be distributed to all parents of the children in the child development program, notifying them of the situation, although the faucets tested on the playground came up below the legal limit for lead and copper.
As a general precaution, water users can protect themselves by allowing water to run for 30 seconds before using tap water for consumption and not using hot water for drinking or cooking.
