Ferris State University recently tested water quality at locations across its Big Rapids campus. While most test results were normal, seven results indicated elevated lead levels and one result had elevated copper levels.
Out of 123 samples, seven came back with elevated lead levels. Two were from drinking fountains in the Automotive building and the Prakken building. Four were in men’s rest rooms in the Automotive building, and in Clark, Puterbaugh and Ward residence halls. One was from a kitchenette/laundry room in Ward Hall.
In each case, when there was an elevated finding that source of water was taken out of use. Effected faucets and drinking fountains are being replaced and will be re-tested before being put back in use.
The great majority of buildings on the Ferris campus did not have elevated findings. In buildings where an elevated level was found, additional tests from samples collected at other sources in those buildings were normal. For this reason that the university believes the elevated levels stem from the faucet or the water cooler.
The sample with elevated levels of copper was collected from a recently installed water fountain at Tot’s Place on the Ferris campus. After an initial elevated finding, the fountain was taken out of use and re-tested. A sample from the new fountain was found to be within normal levels for copper.
Ferris State University will continue to test water at additional sites on campus. Information about the testing program and results, together with a list of Frequently Asked Questions, is accessible through the Ferris State University website (ferris.edu).