Drinking water quality restored in the Main Building
In recent weeks, we have informed the university community in several announcements about the lead contamination detected in the water pipes of the Corvinus Main Building and the institutional steps taken to address the issue. Based on the initial results, we asked Vízkutató Vízkémia Kft., specialists in the field, to conduct an in-depth assessment throughout the Main Building, using a precisely designed water sampling matrix, and to prepare a risk assessment for the University.
The results of the 60 measurements carried out at 20 sampling points in the Main Building have recently been received. Three types of measurement were taken at each point: stagnant water, flushed water and a one-hour measurement following normal use. We are also sharing the detailed measurement report and the expert risk assessment (both in Hungarian) with the university community.
The risk assessment states that at Corvinus, “the overall set of measures taken by the responsible decision-makers was professional and effective”, and concludes as follows: “Based on the tests, as a result of the measures taken, namely the removal and closure of the assessed contamination source sections, it can be stated with a high degree of certainty that, in terms of lead contamination, the network water in the renovated internal water supply system of the building is of drinking water quality.”
In line with the restored water quality, Campus Services will implement the following measures:
- The closed old office water pipe risers, which are highly likely to have been responsible for the lead contamination, will not be reopened.
- Based on the expert recommendation, water samples will also be taken in the other Corvinus buildings. The results are expected in early July, and any further measures required elsewhere will be decided on this basis.
- A bottled water dispenser will be installed temporarily in the medical room, and a mains water supply point will be built there during the summer.
- We will examine the possibility of creating larger tea kitchens than the current ones on the individual floors.
- In an earlier letter, the National Centre for Public Health and Pharmacy also stated that blood lead level testing was unnecessary. This position is shared by the water experts, so support for this testing will be discontinued from 1 August 2026.
- Before the start of the academic year, in August, another control measurement will be carried out in the Main Building with the involvement of the expert. If no contamination is detected, the “non-drinking water” signs will be removed and the coffee and drinks vending machines will be reconnected to the mains water supply.
- Although not required by law, we will introduce annual lead contamination testing in our buildings.
To achieve the best possible drinking water quality, we recommend running the tap for 20 to 30 seconds before filling a glass or bottle. This allows fresh water to arrive from the pipes and also lets the water temperature return to its normal level.
We have interviewed Azari Katalin, chemical engineer and drinking water consultant at Vízkutató Vízkémia Kft., not only about the measurement results but also about the scientific and social context of lead contamination in drinking water. The interview will be published soon.