After detecting lead in multiple tests, UNC announced it is removing several drinking fountains from Wilson Library. 

The University’s Office of Environment, Health and Safety shared the news in an email to the campus community on Thursday around 3:30 p.m.

“Other drinking fountains in the building were tested, showed no detectable levels of lead and remain in operation because the pipes in the building were not impacted,” the office said in the statement. 

The EPA requires public water systems to take action to reduce any lead concentration at or above 15 parts per billion. The University used a flushing protocol to test the amount of lead in the fountains.

In Wilson Library, the 3rd floor historic drinking fountain, located on the right side of the hallway, had 15.8 ppb on the first draw and 9 ppb on the second. The 3rd floor historic drinking fountain on the left side of the hallway reported 3.5 ppb after the first draw and 3.1 ppb after the second draw. 

On the 2nd floor, the drinking fountain located adjacent to room 506 reported a non-detectable amount of lead on the first draw, but 185 ppb on the second draw. The lab later reanalyzed this sample, and received a second result of 193 ppb.

The EPA states there is no safe exposure to the toxic metal in water. In adults, lead exposure can cause cardiovascular effects, decreased kidney function and reproductive problems.  

The Office of Environment, Health and Safety said in an email to students and faculty they will test other campus drinking fountains that potentially contain similar lead components and have not been tested recently to check for lead.

Although the university is continuing to investigate the cause of detectable lead in the fountains, they noted lead in drinking water can be attributed to three sources: lead pipes, lead solder and lead brass fittings. If plumbing materials are corroded, lead can enter the water, although this does not impact pipes in a building. 

Blake Hodge, the communications specialist for OWASA (the Orange Water and Sewer Authority) said OWASA is supporting UNC in their sampling efforts on campus. He said the community can be assured this does not mean lead is present in the drinking water across the service area.

“For over 20 years, samples of drinking water leaving OWASA’s Jones Ferry Road Water Treatment Plant have tested below the detectable level for lead of 3 parts per billion (ppb). OWASA also treats our community’s drinking water to prevent lead from entering drinking water through corrosion,” Hodge said. “We will continue supporting UNC in their efforts to remediate the lead levels at these three fixtures and testing of additional fixtures.”

Wilson Library first opened in 1929. 

Chapelboro has reached out to UNC for further comment on the situation.

Chapelboro.com does not charge subscription fees, and you can directly support our efforts in local journalism here. Want more of what you see on Chapelboro? Let us bring free local news and community information to you by signing up for our biweekly newsletter.

Related Stories
‹
AM I ALL WET?
Our Town Council struggled with the decision to allow OWASA to retain the ability to tap Jordan Lake water in case of emergency. Being able to do this will also allow OWASA to remain part of the regional group that would set policy on the lake’s future. As a board member of the Chapel Hill-Carrboro […]
'A Beautiful Effort': Community-Organized Hillsborough Climate Challenge Begins
Monday, April 1 will kick off the Hillsborough Climate Challenge – a full month of events highlighting sustainable activities for Hillsborough residents.
Policy, Language and Tech: UNC's Angel Hsu Discusses Combating Climate Change
Angel Hsu is an associate professor in UNC’s environmental ecology program. She recently spoke with 97.9 The Hill about her work as the director of a data-driven envirolab and how technology can teach us more about combating climate change on a local government level. Check out highlights of the conversation below, which are lightly edited […]
UNC Health Considering $5 Million Affordable Housing Fund for Chapel Hill
UNC Health is building at least 10 medical offices. To house potential employees, it is planning to create an affordable housing loan fund.
Town of Carrboro Considering Curbside Compost Pickup
Carrboro has two curbside waste collection options: trash or recycling. But, the town is considering adding a third bin into the mix: compost.
Looking for Ways to Celebrate Earth Day? Check Out These Local Events.
People around the world are celebrating Earth Day under the theme "Invest In Our Planet." Here’s how you can celebrate locally around town.
Remember the State's Carbon Plan? Here's How Duke Energy Plans to Address It
About a month ago, the state passed a plan that requires public utility companies to change how they use fossil fuels.
UNC Student Details Experience at International Climate Summit
The COP 27 Climate Conference hosts countries in the United Nations to discuss efforts and propose solutions to combat climate change. Last month, some of UNC’s very own had the unique opportunity to attend the conference in Egypt.
Giant, Sustainable Rainforest Fish Is Now Fashion in America
Written by FABIANO MAISONNAVE Sometimes you start something and have no idea where it will lead. So it was with Eduardo Filgueiras, a struggling guitarist whose family worked in an unusual business in Rio de Janeiro: They farmed toads. Filgueiras figured out a way to take the small toad skins and fuse them together, creating […]
Lead Detection in UNC Library Leads to Removed Fountains
After detecting lead in multiple tests, UNC announced it is removing several drinking fountains from Wilson Library.  The University’s Office of Environment, Health and Safety shared the news in an email to the campus community on Thursday around 3:30 p.m. “Other drinking fountains in the building were tested, showed no detectable levels of lead and […]
›