David Jesse

Detroit Free Press

High lead levels have been found in drinking fountains in two Wayne State University buildings, officials said in a letter to the campus community Friday.

The fountains are located in the College of Education Building and the Meyer L. Prentis Cancer Center Building. In total, 11 of the campus buildings have been completely or partially tested.

"All main inlets to the buildings have tested normal," the letter from Wayne State Chief of Staff Michael Wright said. "However, in two buildings – the College of Education Building and the Meyer L. Prentis Cancer Center Building – we have found lead levels above the EPA action levels in several water fountains. The affected fountains have been covered and are being shut off until this problem is fixed. All other drinking sites in these two buildings, and all other sites on campus that have been tested to date, have tested normal.

"As a result of these findings, we will begin testing drinking water in all remaining buildings on campus proactively. Planning for this activity will begin immediately, and timing will be as expeditious as possible depending on resources required and available lab capacity.

"If you are an occupant of the two affected buildings and are concerned about elevated lead levels and your health in relation to this matter, we will be offering free blood tests at the Campus Health Center, located at 5200 Anthony Wayne Drive in the DeRoy Apartment Building, across from Einstein Bros. Bagels. The Campus Health Center is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., but closed on Monday for Memorial Day. If you would like to be tested, please call 313-577-5041 to make an appointment so that you do not have to wait."

The university also set up a web site where they promise to post more information: wayne.edu/campus-water.

Contact David Jesse: 313-222-8851 or djesse@freepress.com. Follow him on Twitter: @reporterdavidj