The October lead test results for the water at Rio Grand Campus are in and there is still lead in some fountains and sinks according to the report posted on the ACC Environmental Health, Safety and Insurance website.
The sampling was conducted on Oct. 3. A total of 12 water fountains were tested as well as six water sources in the Simon's cafeteria. The report states that six water fountains and one sink in the cafeteria tested with lead levels above the level of no known or expected risk to health but below the EPA Action Level.
No more tests are currently scheduled according to Rebecca Cole, the executive director of environmental health, safety and insurance at ACC.
In an e-mail, Cole stated that the only way to fix the problem is to remodel the building. The Rio Grand Campus remodel is part of the Campus Master Plan, but there is currently no timetable for when the remodel will happen.
In the report, Baer Engineering, the firm hired to collect the samples, continued to recommend that water sources in the main building be labeled as non-potable and that drinking water be supplied to the building.
Until the campus is remodeled the fountains will remain off and bottled water will be provided for students to drink and for Simon's Cafe, according to Cole.
The report also states that it might be possible to place in-line filters into the drinking fountains and on water supply taps in the cafeteria.
In her e-mail Cole said the college would "evaluate this alternative."
"We would need to do more investigation of cost comparison between the filters and providing the bottled water," said Cole.
According to Dr. Juan A Salinas, an assistant professor in the department of psychology at the University of Texas in Austin, even low levels of lead can cause cardiovascular problems as well as some mental and behavioral problems.
The lead levels on the campus were still below the Action Level set by the EPA. Cole said the college decided to shut down the fountains as a precaution.
Editor's note: Rebecca Cole's is the executive director of environmental health, safety and insurance.
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