The university said it will continue to provide filtered and bottled water.
GLASSBORO -- Despite being provided with "encouraging results" after additional lead level water tests, Rowan University officials said Friday that three buildings yielded elevated levels of the toxin.
The tests, which started on Aug. 31 across all Glassboro campus buildings, came after reports of seeing brownish water at Linden Hall.
"The tests indicated that some faucets showed elevated levels of lead that were above the 15 parts per billion (ppb) threshold that is the U.S. Department of Environmental Protection's Action Level,'" university President Ali A. Houshmand wrote in a Sept. 9 update. "We also tested Memorial Hall, which is adjacent to these buildings but on a different water line. Memorial's lead levels fell under the EPA's 15ppb threshold."
While the "vast majority" of tests came back under that EPA threshold, "elevated levels were found in some kitchen faucets in the ROTC building, Evergreen Hall and Girard House," the president's statement continues.
Low levels of lead can be toxic if consumed. The university believes the culprit to be older pipes, lead solder and other plumbing fixtures on campus that contain lead.
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A university spokesman previously said Glassboro's water was within safe levels, thus ruling that out as the possible source. The university disconnected all water fountains in affected buildings, posted "Do Not Drink" advisories on all water faucets, installed lead filters in Oak and Laurel halls and provided bottled water to all residence halls on campus.
The university assured students earlier this month that the water is safe for washing clothes, dishes, and showering -- just don't drink, cook or brush your teeth with it.
Readers who wish to learn more about the situation may attend a campus-wide informational meeting on Monday at 7 p.m. in the Mimosa Hall first-floor lounge. A website, rowan.edu/waterquality, has also been set up to address the problem. Additional information is also avaialble by calling 856-256-5200 or by emailing officeofthepresident@rowan.edu.
"I know the last week has been disconcerting and a great inconvenience. Thank you for your patience as we work to ensure the safety of our water supply. We will provide you with more details as they become available," Houshmand said.
Greg Adomaitis may be reached at gadomaitis@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @GregAdomaitis. Find NJ.com on Facebook.