Memorial University water quality | Environmental Health & Safety

Feb 11th, 2016

Michelle Osmond

Memorial University water quality

The most recent water quality results indicate that average exposure levels are within the Guidelines for Canadian Drinking Water Quality. Health Canada states that “Consuming water over the course of a lifetime (i.e., 70 years) with lead levels at or near the guideline value [10 micrograms per litre] is considered to be protective of human health.” More information can be found here: www.hc-sc.gc.ca/ewh-semt/pubs/water-eau/lead-plomb-eng.php.

“The results we’ve received to date indicate that lead exposure from drinking water is not a concern on campus, with only a few localized issues related to things like stagnant water, individual fittings and low volume, that have been addressed,” noted Kent Decker, vice-president, Administration and Finance.

“Our health and safety experts are more than comfortable that these levels are safe. They do recommend that the best sources of drinking water are the chilled and filtered stations and washrooms are not a recommended source of potable drinking water.” The location of water bottle-fill stations can be found at: www.mun.ca/health_safety/water_bottle_stations.php.

Dr. David Allison, Chief Medical Officer of Health, Department of Health and Community Services, has advised that “There is no cause for concern about the quality of drinking water at Memorial University.” Dr. Allison stated that “The steps Memorial has put in place are appropriate and I would have no concern personally consuming the drinking water at the university.” Dr. Allison further explained that “the Guidelines for Canadian Drinking Water Quality specify the average maximum allowable concentration of lead in water is 10 micrograms per litre. This level is set to protect the most vulnerable in our population, children, by applying this as an average level consumed over a lifetime and does not point to elevated risk from occasional consumption of higher levels.”

There are two types of water samples that have been collected by Memorial: first-draw samples collected after the water has been stagnated for 8-24 hours and flush-samples, collected after the water has been flowing for a period of time. This sampling strategy is based on Guidance on Controlling Corrosion in Drinking Water Distribution Systems which is published by Health Canada (2009).

A first-draw sample shows the highest possible concentrations of metals that are commonly found in stagnant drinking water. It is not representative of average human consumption, but it provides important information about the components of the plumbing system and helps to determine the need for additional sampling and remedial action.

Of the 86 drinking water samples that were recently collected in the Arts and Administration building, and 70 samples that were collected in the Science building, none of the flush samples exceeded the Health Canada guidelines for any of the metals that were tested. Where exceedances were observed in nine of the first-draw samples, work is ongoing to optimize water quality and re-sampling will be conducted in accordance with a long-term sampling strategy.

A number of measures have been taken as part of the remediation process to date. For example, a total flush of many buildings on campus, removal of some older fountains, and the installation of filters that are certified to remove contaminants, such as lead in all water bottle-fill stations.

Since late July, more than 850 water samples were tested across the St. John’s campus. In a previous update, portions of the following four buildings remained on drinking water restrictions. Those restrictions have now been lifted based on the following actions:

Biotechnology: Restrictions lifted based on acceptable sampling results in multiple locations in the building. The kitchen/lounge (BT-3015) sink is now equipped with a lead removing filter system. In addition, a water bottle filling station with a filter is available in the Chemistry building and another station will be installed in the Biotechnology building.
Queen Elizabeth ll Library: Restrictions lifted after an acceptable water test result.
Computing Services: Restrictions lifted. A drinking fountain with a lead removing filter is in place.
Chemistry-Physics: Restrictions lifted based on acceptable sample results collected in multiple locations throughout the building. The water sample that was collected at the fountain on the fifth floor is of acceptable quality based on Health Canada’s guidelines. However, due to the size of the building a water bottle filling station with a lead-removal filter will replace the fountain on the fifth floor to give people additional access to filtered water.
Queen’s College: Bottled water will continue to be provided based on preexisting issues.

Under the direction of the University Occupational Health and Safety Committee, Memorial University is continuing to develop its long term program for water quality testing and is actively working to ensure the continued provision of safe drinking water on campus. Once that program has been reviewed and approved by the committee, it will be implemented and shared with the university community.

For more information and to see the latest sample results, visit www.mun.ca/health_safety/Water_sample_chart_Oct_6.pdf

To view results of past water tests, visit Water Reports 2005-2015.

As part of ongoing water testing, there will be periodic testing of various locations around campus. The university community will be informed of when and where the testing is taking place via Newsline notices.

Locations of water bottle filling stations