Message to Campus on Results of Water Testing

Dear Members of the Campus Community,

Earlier this month, Lehigh began collecting and testing water samples from
residential, academic and administrative buildings on Asa Packer Campus,
Mountaintop and Goodman Campus to determine the level of lead present in
drinking water at Lehigh. We were recently notified that all test results
are below the action level identified by the U.S. Environmental Protection
Agency (EPA) of 15 parts per billion.

Upon initial testing, there were a small number of isolated tests that
showed lead levels above the recommended EPA level.  Multiple subsequent
tests at those same locations came back below the recommended level. Since
lead is released into water sporadically, water testing results can vary
over time and vary based on the source of the samples, even among samples
drawn from a common plumbing system. As a result of the findings of the
subsequent tests, no remediation efforts are required at any of the tested
locations at this time.

The collection of more than 60 samples drawn from sinks and drinking
fountains on campus was completed by members of our staff in Environmental
Health and Safety and Facilities Services. As we shared in our earlier
communication, the samples were collected in accordance with the EPA
testing protocols and carefully documented and cataloged. The samples were
analyzed by M.J. Reider Associates, Inc., an independent lab located in
Reading, Pa.  It is one of only two labs certified by the Pennsylvania
State Department of Environmental Protection. Testing was done on buildings
of various ages in order to have a representative sample.

Although results of this preliminary testing indicate no localized issues
with the water on the Lehigh campus, we realize that this is an emerging
environmental issue of considerable concern for communities across the
country. We plan on continuing our testing efforts to make certain we
remain compliant with government guidelines and that we would be in the
best possible position to identify and address any possible concerns.

We are currently evaluating several consultants with specific expertise in
this area to assist us in developing a comprehensive plan for testing
across the campus that is consistent with EPA testing guidelines.

For more information about the issue of lead in drinking water, please go
to http://www.lehigh.edu/~inehs.

We will continue to keep the campus community informed about this
process,and we will share information about further steps that might be
necessary. We appreciate your patience.

Dr. Barb Plohocki
Director of Environmental Health and Safety