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0 of 3 Premium Clicks used this month SUBSCRIBE Print + Online Subscriber Activation | Register x Forgot Password | Need an Account? e-edition | subscribe | newsletter | deals Classifieds Jobs Autos Real Estate FEATURED » NEWS NOW West Coast leads way in automatic voter registration ... Central Point man nabs suspect for Medford police ... UPDATED: Republican Allen Alley announces bid for Oregon governor ... West Coast leads way in automatic voter registration ... Central Point man nabs suspect for Medford police ... UPDATED: Republican Allen Alley announces bid for Oregon governor ... Lithia fountains back on after testing found to be 'faulty' Comment By Local report MailTribune.com By Local report Posted Mar. 2, 2016 at 10:48 AM Updated Mar 2, 2016 at 3:49 PM By Local report Posted Mar. 2, 2016 at 10:48 AM Updated Mar 2, 2016 at 3:49 PM » Social News Barium levels in Ashland's iconic Lithia water fountain are the same as they've ever been. Fountains on the Plaza and at Enders shelter in Lithia Park were turned off around the first of February after test results showed barium levels had nearly doubled, but the test results turned out to be a "false reading," according to a news release issued by the city of Ashland. "Barium levels are actually about the same as they have historically been," the city said, and the throat-tickling trickle of mineral water once again flows from the fountains. The level of barium in the water — around 5 parts per million — exceeds safe drinking water standards but, because Lithia water is not considered a community water source in the same manner as the drinking water delivered to homes and businesses through the city’s water distribution system, it is not required to meet the same drinking water standards. The EPA sets the level for safe drinking water at no more than 2 parts per million, but that assumes the water is being consumed regularly. The false test results that led to the shut-off showed levels as high as 10.8 ppm. Lithia water is tested regularly, and any change from the historic levels of elements in the water will continue to be a cause for further analysis, the city said. The water is not recommended for daily consumption, and signs have been posted at the fountains to advise residents and visitors that it contains elevated levels of barium. By Local report MailTribune.com By Local report Posted Mar. 2, 2016 at 10:48 AM Updated Mar 2, 2016 at 3:49 PM » Comment or view comments Reader Reaction » STAY INFORMED Email NewsLetter Sign Up Today Sign up for our newsletter and have the top headlines from your community delivered right to your inbox. Southern Oregon Directory Featured Businesses Loading... Business Name address Location, ST | website.com Find Southern Oregon Attractions Bars Restaurants Beauty Salons Entertainment Doctors Medical Specialists Contractors Education Lawn Services Lawyers Shopping Travel Tanning Used Cars Wedding Services ▼ Add your business here + Events Calendar Connect with MailTribune.com Facebook Twitter RSS Back to top Reader Services Reader Services Home Subscriptions Subscriber controls Contact us Submissions Photos Events Letters to the editor Corrections Announcements Obituaries Story ideas Since you asked Alerts Email Alerts RSS Feeds Text Alerts Advertise Media Kit Home Products and services Ad rates Advertising contacts Propel Marketing Mail Tribune Daily Tidings The Nickel Shop Our Valley Blogs Mobile Site Stay Informed Email newsletter Sign Up Today Sign up for our newsletter and have the top headlines from your community delivered right to your inbox. Your privacy is important, read our privacy policy. © Copyright 2016 Local Media Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policy | Terms of Service | Local Media Group Publications Original content available for non-commercial use under a Creative Commons license, except where noted. MailTribune.com | P.O. Box 1108, Medford, OR 97501