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Lead found in Providence hospital drinking water Friday Oct 7, 2016 at 2:54 PM Oct 7, 2016 at 4:20 PM Damian Mann Mail Tribune @reporterdm High lead levels in drinking water have been discovered at nine locations in Providence Medford Medical Center, including four sinks in the BirthPlace area. The hospital has taken the tainted sinks, fixtures and a water fountain out of service while repairs are made, according to Jean Powell Marks, spokeswoman for Providence Health and Services. Testing that began in August found lead that exceeded the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency action level of 15 parts per billion in four sinks at the labor and delivery area, two utility sinks in the emergency department, and three sinks and a drinking fountain in rehabilitation services. While testing for lead in the rehabilitation area, Providence workers found a four-inch waterline that had ruptured inside the building. Once the line is repaired in about two weeks, the water will be retested. "We believe the rupture is what caused the high level of lead found in the rehab sinks and drinking fountain," Marks said in an email. "The repairs on that line begin on Monday and are expected to take two weeks." An alternative source of drinking water has been provided while repairs are underway. The readings that exceeded the EPA level ranged from 16.6 ppb to more than 300 ppb, but Marks said Providence believes the highest readings are a result of the ruptured waterline. Marks said the lead contamination doesn't appear to be the result of ongoing issues with Medford Water Commission lines. "We are finding the fixtures appear to be the problem, and they are being replaced in any sink that tests above the EPA standard," Marks said. "Once repaired, the sink will be tested again to ensure the problem is resolved." The hospital is continuing to test all water fixtures and will take any out of service for repairs if they test above the EPA standard, Marks said. To date, the only drinking fountain that has been taken out of service is in the rehabilitation center, she said. Marks said the hospital began testing because of safety concerns raised about lead issues nationally, as well as the Water Commission's efforts to remove lead pipes from the system. The Water Commission has located 21 lead connectors, known as pigtails, and is continuing to search for more. As they are found, the pigtails are being removed by the Water Commission. Marks said the hospital is not requiring testing of anyone as a result of the high lead readings, because patients and employees rarely use sinks to get drinking water. Sinks are mainly used for hand washing and cleaning supplies, she said. "It’s important to note that the EPA says washing your hands is safe even in water with elevated lead levels. Human skin does not absorb lead in water," Marks said. Patients receive bottled water as part of their food service, she said. Providence will continue to test all water fixtures in the hospital in the weeks ahead, Marks said. The dietary and cafeteria water supply has been tested as well, and the results were below EPA limits. "It's important to keep in mind that the EPA says consuming water with elevated lead levels is rarely a primary cause of a significant health risk to adults," she said. "Our drinking water and ice machines at the nurses stations all are filtered — that is the primary source of drinking water for patients and employees." Employees can contact Providence's employee health department to discuss lead testing. Also, discharged patients with concerns about lead exposure can contact primary care physicians, Marks said.  Asante spokeswoman Lauren Van Sickle said Rogue Regional Medical Center is tested annually for lead and biologics, but the latest test results were not immediately available Friday.  — Reach reporter Damian Mann at 541-776-4476 or [email protected]. Follow him on www.twitter.com/reporterdm.