Officials from University of Colorado Health Sciences and a toxicologist met with about 50 concerned employees this morning to discuss the recent detection of lead and copper in the drinking water supply in 11 buildings on the Fitzsimons campus.
No source has been identified for causing the higher levels of lead and copper in the water, according to Dave Turnquist, assistant vice chancellor for facilities operations.
The university and Aurora Water resumed testing today with results expected within a week.
Already, 19 employees have had their blood and urine screened, with normal results, said Dr. Javier Waksman, toxicologist with the University of Colorado. Based on the results, he said it doesn’t appear any danger of excessive exposure exists.
The university will offer more screens at the end of the month for employees who may be concerned.
Lead and copper found in the water in some of the buildings have been higher than the federally acceptable standards. The metals were first discovered in September in the historic Building 500 by the Veterans Administration. The university then began testing all of its Health Sciences buildings on the complex, finding lead and copper in the water in all but one building.
The metals aren’t suspected to be in the water of the University Hospital, which has had regular testing and has newer pipes throughout, Turnquit said.
