PB CONCENTRATIONS IN DRINKING WATER ON CAMPUS: ANALYSIS AND REMEDIATION

Lead is one of the most ubiquitous toxic metals of concern in urban water supply systems. For example, in 2000 34% of the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority (MWRA) participating communities in the greater Boston area did not pass the EPA's action level (AL) criteria that 90% of the homes have lead concentrations at below the 15 ppb AL. Similarly, at UMass- Boston, drinking water quality has been an ongoing concern. In 2001, 31 water fountains were sampled and [Pb] ranged from 26-220% of the AL. Since this time the University has undertaken a number of remedial efforts. Three methods have been utilized: (a) In several buildings, point-of-use filters have been installed on drinking fountains, (b) A zinc orthophosphate treatment system will be installed in one building, (c) A continuous flush approach is being used in other buildings. To date, no follow-up testing has been conducted. This project will re-evaluate campus water quality and determine what additional action, if any, is needed to comply with drinking water standards. Water samples will be analyzed with Hach LeadTrak water test kits. A subset of the samples will be analyzed by ICP-MS to determine if these kits can provide data with enough accuracy that they can take the place of expensive conventional analyses. This is particularly important to assess if the results generated by these test kits are going to be used to inform policy decisions.