The Environmental Protection Agency requires drinking water testing for lead every three years. Northern Illinois University passed – with one initial exception.
The EPA requires corrective action if 20 percent of a system’s samples have more than 15 parts of lead per billion. Only one NIU fountain -- located in the visual arts building -- tested positive for lead under these criteria. That’s according to an NIU staff memo.
Officials say the unsafe sample was taken from a mechanical hot water heating line. They corrected the problem and drew another sample, which passed.
Studies show brain damage and kidney failure can result if too much lead enters your body from drinking water or other sources.