Drinking Water Testing Results
Before the end of the 2017-18 academic year we sent out a notice that we would be taking water samples from various buildings on campus.  Those test results can be found at  http://risksafety.humboldt.edu/water-testing. 

For more detailed information, please see below.
If you have questions, please direct them to ehs@humboldt.edu.

What is prompting the tests?
Two CSU campuses, Sacramento and Long Beach, tested the drinking water on their campuses and found that some points of delivery (fixtures) tested above the California Drinking Water standard limit for lead of 15 parts per billion (PPB).  As a precautionary step, Humboldt State’s administration has decided to proactively test our drinking water to ensure we meet the standard.

The source of drinking water on campus
Water on campus is supplied by the City of Arcata.  Their water quality reports can be obtained from:  http://www.cityofarcata.org/327/Water-Quality-Reports

Where does lead come from?
While the City of Arcata has determined the water coming into campus meets regulatory requirements, it is possible pipes and drinking fountains could introduce lead into the water.  The purpose of the testing is to identify fixtures (if any) yielding an elevated level of lead.

Why are we testing during the summer?
Testing during the summer break will allow us to follow the Environmental Protection Agency’s testing method.  This method requires fixtures to not be used for at least 8 hours and then tested.  Testing while the campus is minimally occupied will decrease disruptions and ensure sample validity.

What if a fixture’s test results exceed the standard?

Fixtures which test higher than the 15 ppb will immediately be removed from service. We had two drinking fountains test over the action level.  They were removed from service.  Both areas have fountains nearby that tested under the action level.  The two drinking fountains fixtures will be removed.

Is this all the testing that will be done?
We will be conducting tests in on-campus housing during holiday breaks or this summer.  We will communicate with campus before we test and when we receive the results.

How do I find out more about lead in drinking water?
If you need a better understanding of lead, please visit one of the sites below:

• Environmental Protection Agency – https://www.epa.gov/ground-water-and-drinking-water/basic-information-about-lead-drinking-water
• State Water Resources Control Board – https://www.waterboards.ca.gov/gama/docs/coc_lead.pdf
• Center for Disease Control – https://www.cdc.gov/nceh/lead/tips/water.htm