The Greenville Utility Commission (GUC) recently released a report regarding a study conducted to determine the lead levels found in household water throughout their distribution network. GUC is required by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), as a water supplier, to test and maintain safe levels of lead and other chemicals within the water they distribute to users. GUC did not find lead in the water leaving its treatment plant.The lead in water indicated in the report comes from the building's internal plumbing. At the point where the water connects to water lines within the property and house, lead can leach from lead pipes and solder used to connect the pipes, thus contributing to the lead level consumed in that commercial or household property. GUC is very careful to supply water that limits the potential of leaching lead, but lead can leach into the water from building pipes.  Although not responsible for the water quality degradation contributed by the household water lines, GUC has conducted this study since 1992 to meet EPA requirements. Most levels in the study were found to be well below the EPA action level and require no action. Where samples were found to exceed the action level, GUC provided the homeowner with information on ways these levels can be lowered.

Although the University was not sampled as part of this study, the Office of Environmental Health and Safety and GUC have sampled water in our buildings over the years. For instance, the EPA determined in the early 1990's that lead-lined tanks and piping in specific water fountains may contribute lead to the water. EH&S and Facilities Services identified the water fountains on the EPA list and removed them. In addition, EH&S has responded to water concerns and potential problems and collected water samples from several of our buildings. EH&S will continue to monitor water quality concerns and collect water samples as needed