In 1995, the status of the University's compliance with the lead drinking water rule came into question.  HDR engineering was retained to complete a corrosion control study and to assist the University in coming into compliance.

The University responded immediately by providing bottled water to the buildings whose samples showed elevated levels.  This was not required by regulation, but it was felt to be in the best interest of all campus users.

This study was completed in 1995 and submitted to the Montana Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ).  No corrosion control measures were recommended as the timing of the samping was called into question.  This study is designed to evaluate sources of lead in drinking water and describes possible ways lead in drinking water could be reduced if necessary.  The study can be found below:

• U of M Corrosion Control Study

• June Sampling Response to UM
• June Sampling Response to MDEQ
• Letter Regarding Corrosion Study (MDEQ)
• U of M Response 
• MDEQ's Response

At this time, the University began removing bottled water, as further testing completed in conjunction with the study indicated there was not a problem in those buildings.  The University chose to sample during October and April, to coincide with normal operating and population of campus.  After two rounds of sampling (Oct 2005 and April 2006) with results at allowable levels, the University came into compliance with the regulation.  All bottled water was removed from buildings with the exception of the Labor Pool.  It was decided to provide this water at the building and take the building out of service regarding the use of potable water.

The University is now required to sample on an annual basis, and after a period of time, this sampling regime will be further reduced as long as the sampling results in compliance.

Sampling results can be found here:

• Water Sample Results

The following links provide information on lead in drinking water:

• http://www.epa.gov/safewater/lead/index.html
• http://www.epa.gov/safewater/tables.html
• http://www.cdc.gov/lead/qanda.htm
• http://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/toxprofiles/tp13.html