Earlier this year as part of a class project, students used at-home water test strips to detect lead in various water sources. One location on campus received a positive result for lead. Although we have not verified any actual health risk, after learning on Thursday the location that led to the positive result, out of an abundance of caution, we have turned off the drinking fountain in question.
The UC Santa Cruz residential campus does not have any lead pipes in its water distribution system. We are in the process of testing the water from the location identified using the rigorous protocols set forth by the Environmental Protection Agency. We will share the results with our campus community and take all appropriate steps once we receive the results.
The drinking water at UC Santa Cruz has been safe and continues to be safe, and meets all state and federal water quality requirements. Our water is provided by the City of Santa Cruz, which regularly tests its water according to state and federal requirements.
We take seriously the health and safety of students, faculty, and staff, and want to do all we can to ensure our water quality continues to meet or exceed all regulatory requirements. We will provide updates as we learn more.
