Although the campus’ quality of water is reported safe, according to a random poll, 5 out of 5 students use either a Brita filtration system on campus or purchase bottled water, as opposed to consuming tap water.
An email was released earlier this year to the campus community, urging to hold off on the consumption of water in the mansion. The email revealed that although cold water is safer to use than hot water from the mansion, it would be best to consume alternative water. According to Dawn Barnett, director of campus facilities, “we recently tested the tap water in both Grace Hall and the Mansion and the levels were well below the EPA action level.”
So, what is the source of our water supply? Water services are provided by the Philadelphia Suburban Water Company. With a few exceptions of estate areas, most properties in the Radnor area obtain public water and sewer facilities, according to Radnor.com.
A Drinking Water Analysis Kit by Lab Tech was used on four of the 11 residences on campus. Although West, the Apartments, Xavier and East had safe results, minor defects were found. The pH level of West was recorded to be only slightly high, while the Iron ppm of East, the apartments and West were at 0.3, resulting in a very slight fluctuation. In all four residences, numbers were high on the level of total hardness ppm.
“Hardness found in the water is an indication of elevated mineral content, which in some studies has been found to be beneficial,” Barnett said. “We have a water treatment schedule throughout campus and conduct random testing.”
There are also upcoming improvements on the campus in regards to water resources for students and community. Water stations, such as those seen near the Widener Center on campus, will be able to be used elsewhere in the near future. “As we renovate buildings throughout campus we are upgrading the old water fountains with the new water stations,” Barnett said. “This process is costly and will take some time to complete.”
