Three NMU buildings to re-open following water testing results

MARQUETTE — The PEIF, Thomas Fine Arts and the Learning Resources Center at Northern Michigan University will re-open Monday, May 21st after water in these buildings were independently tested over the weekend.

Water samples from each water source in the three buildings were sent to an independent lab for analysis. The results show that each building had individual water fixtures that test over the action level of 15 parts per billion.

With this situation, the EPA recommends making the water non-potable and continuing to investigate individual water outlets that tested over the threshold. According to set standards, the water is safe for washing, flushing and showering.

Going forward, all water will be labelled as non-potable in the PEIF, Thomas Fine Arts and the Learning Resources Center. Drinking fountains will be made inoperable until the testing says it is prudent.

The university will provide drinking water. Each fixture that measured high will be investigated, and the water sources will be put online once testing shows acceptable levels.

According to TriMedia Environmental, the testing indicates that the main water source to each of these buildings is not the source of the lead contamination. In numerous locations, a fixture tested high while a fixture a few feet away tested fine.

The process of isolating a replacing fixtures and plumbing is labor intensive. In a statement, NMU said it will take the needed steps to address the issue as quickly as possible, and updates can be found HERE.

All other buildings on campus successfully passed recent water tests.