Elevated levels of lead and copper have been found in the drinking water of 11 buildings on the Fitzsimons campus of the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center in Aurora.
That has prompted officials to conduct blood and urine tests on 19 employees and truck in bottled water for about 1,600 workers.
The tainted water was discovered in early October, and officials have tested 12 buildings. It is not known where the lead and copper are coming from; further testing is scheduled for Monday morning.
Officials say they hope to identify the source and quickly fix it.
Aurora Water officials have tested the distribution lines and determined the problem is isolated to the buildings.
“We’re not clear on what is happening,” said Dave Turnquist, assistant vice chancellor for facilities operations for the Health Sciences Center. “We are taking this very seriously.”
Levels of lead and copper found in the buildings are slightly higher than state and federal mandates. The federal Environmental Protection Agency says action must occur if the prevalence of lead in water is more than 15 parts per billion. At least one water sample had lead levels of 46 parts per billion.
The EPA estimates more than 40 million U.S. residents use water that can contain lead in excess of 15 parts per billion.
“My understanding is typically there is a concern with long-term exposure to very high levels,” said Sarah Ellis, spokeswoman for the Health Sciences Center. “There is no reason to think any of that has occurred. Employees aren’t exhibiting a high level of concern over this.”
Young children, infants and fetuses are particularly vulnerable to lead poisoning, according to the EPA.
On Monday and Tuesday, town hall-style meetings are scheduled at the campus for employees to ask questions and hear from a toxicologist. Further medical tests will be provided, Turnquist said.
The 578-acre former Army post is undergoing a $4.3 billion makeover into a medical and bioscience hub. Construction is continuing and some older buildings remain, including the historic Building 500 that once was the Fitzsimons Army Hospital.
In the lower levels of that building, which now houses administration, traces of lead were found in the water.
“You’re dealing with an old federal complex that is under some high level of construction,” said Dan Mikesell, operations manager for Aurora Water.
“You have the combination of old and new going through the construction phase, so there is disruption of pipes. It is cause of concern,” he said.
The University of Colorado Hospital, which is on the site, was expected to be tested, but it was unlikely any problems exist, Turnquist said.
“Everything around that hospital is brand new,” he said. “I’m not anticipating any problems.”
Staff writer Jeremy P. Meyer may be reached at 303-954-1367 or jpmeyer@denverpost.com.
