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As a proactive measure, the ÿ�մ��� Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) has tested for lead in drinking water in all occupied buildings on the Dearborn campus and its satellite buildings. All representative samples collected at drinking water sources were below the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ)lead action level of 0.015 mg/L, or 15 parts per billion(ppb), which is the level where adverse chronic health effects have been documented by local, state, and federal government health professionals. Other water quality parameters analyzed included: copper, phosphates, alkalinity, calcium, specific conductance, E. coli and total coliform. 

Representative drinking water samples were collected in a minimum of two locations in each campus building(most had three samples collected), including the Early Childhood Development Center (ECEC)and the Fairlane Center Buildings (FCN and FCS). Water samples were gathered per MDEQ sample collection procedures. The representative sampling strategy utilized was to collect drinking water samples close to the water service connector (water main) coming into the building being tested, near the mid-point of the building’s water service lines and by the farthest point from the service connector. This approach provides a good representation of the quality of drinking water in the building.

111 total samples were collected at drinking water sources(drinking fountains, water bottle fill stations, and kitchen sinks)in our campus buildings throughout the months of February, March, April and May. Samples were delivered for analysis to a certified testing laboratory recommended by the MDEQ from its State of Michigan website. Of these 111 samples, lead in drinking water levels ranged from less than1 ppb to 5 ppb in occupied buildings. A vacated building(Fairlane Cottage East)had a water lead level of 10 ppb. All of these values are below the MDEQ action level* of 15 ppb.

All other parameters tested were also within acceptable limits except two drinking water sources which showed elevated copper levels(in relation to the copper action level*, not at a level that indicates a health hazard)detected in two drinking water sources. These sources were found to be within normal limits in a second sampling, suggesting a new installation or an infrequently used drinking source, and indicating that routine use will keep the copper levels at acceptable concentrations. A preventative maintenance schedule has been established to assure routine use in these locations. All other water parameters were consistent with the City of Detroit’s own analytical results from monthly testing at the water treatment plants.

UM-Dearborn EHS is planning to collect routine semi-annual water samples to assess drinking water sources throughout campus over the next 2 years. We appreciate this opportunity to demonstrate our commitment to the environmental health and safety of our campus. If you have any questions regarding this summary, please do not hesitate to contact EHS.

*”Action Level: The concentration of a contaminant that, if exceeded, triggers treatment or other requirements that a water system must follow.”http://www.michigan.gov/documents/deq/deq-odwma-ehs-ncws-monitoringreqmcl_402740_7.pdf