News and Information

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Isabella Jimenez
December 1, 2017 562-846-5466

Update on CSULB’s Lead Contaminated Drinking Water Fountains

CSULB took the initiative to remove non-filtered drinking water sources from service after
conducting numerous tests and analyses from water samples from various locations.

Before Thanksgiving break, lead had been detected in the water at a small number of drinking
fountains on the CSULB campus. After being alerted to its potential presence, the university
invested in experts and solutions to ensure their water delivery
system met the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency standards.

Tests were conducted over the last month on over 130 drinking
fountains, hydration stations and faucets. As a result, only one
drinking fountain delivered water-containing lead. That outlet is
in the softball field’s visiting team dugout. Based on these
results, water fountains and hydration stations that were turned
off earlier – except for the softball dugout mentioned above –
will begin being turned back on Tuesday, Dec. 5th. It may take a
few days for all these outlets to be returned to service.

“It is desirable to return as many fountains to service as quickly

as possible,” said Mary Stephens, CSULB Vice President,
Administration and Finance. “Testing will continue and be
conducted in buildings constructed before 1990 and any fountain
that does not contain lead will be returned to service.”

Starting Dec. 5th, all fountains in buildings built after 1990 and
all outdoor drinking stations will be placed back in service after
being tested and cleared. From Dec. 20th, 2017 to Jan. 28th, 2018,
filtered hydration stations will be installed on the first floor of buildings currently without
hydration stations. Lastly, in the 2018-2019 school year, remaining drinking fountains within
buildings will be replaced with filtered hydration stations.

###