Information on the tap water quality in the Corvinus Main Building and the measures taken
Measurements were taken at 16 points in the Main Building. The tests focused on metal content, and seven points showed lead contamination above the limit. At the same time, samples were taken at the Sóház (Fővám tér 13–15), and the water quality there was found to be excellent.
Precautionary Measures Taken
The university immediately implemented the following measures:
- “Not drinking water” pictograms with bilingual labels were placed at all water outlets in the Main Building.
- Water dispensers/automatons connected to the tap network were taken out of service and marked with bilingual “Out of Service” signs.
- Bottled water dispensers were installed to replace the water machines in communal areas, and coffee machines were switched to bottled water.
- The Campus Services department is exploring the procurement of small water dispensers suitable for lead removal or filtration.
- The office water network sections of the Main Building, likely sources of lead contamination, were closed last Friday, 5 June. As part of the renovation projects planned between 2007 and 2025, the university has already replaced 85% of the Main Building’s entire water network. The newly closed sections account for the remaining 15%.
- A water chemistry expert has been engaged to design a sampling matrix, determine the necessary number of sampling points, and establish the methodology for the Main Building and other university buildings. The expert will also be present during the new sampling. Based on the results, decisions will be made step by step regarding the lifting of restrictions.
- The university has decided to test the water quality in all its buildings and facilities, and the results will be communicated to the university community.
Health Advisory: No Blood Test Needed
So far, there have been no reports of complaints related to water consumption. The university consulted the Chief Medical Officer to assess the health risks of the contamination. In response, Tamás Pándics, Director of the National Centre for Public Health and Pharmacy (NNGYK), provided information, available via this link.
According to expert opinion, the lead present in the drinking water does not pose an acute health risk; long-term effects may occur only if other contributing factors are present. This does not mean that anyone consuming lead-contaminated water will necessarily experience symptoms. Even at the concentrations measured at Corvinus, tap water is not the primary source of individual lead exposure; it accounts for only a small fraction. Higher exposure may come from sources such as smoking or inhaled air.
Lead in drinking water mainly comes from internal building plumbing, made of lead-containing materials (lead pipes, lead alloys). Buildings where such materials were used (typically constructed before 1945) may have lead concentrations above the limit. Between 2018 and 2020, the National Centre for Public Health and Pharmacy conducted a nationwide survey on lead risk in drinking water, resulting in a national lead risk map. Most of central Budapest is affected, accessible via the this link.
Regarding the offered blood test, the Chief Medical Officer’s opinion noted that it does not provide meaningful information about lead intake from tap water, as the amount is too small compared to other sources. Blood lead tests are generally designed to detect sudden high-dose occupational exposure in industrial settings.
Free Blood Test Available for Three Weeks
As announced on 5 June, blood tests are available for university members who wish to undergo testing. Although NNGYK experts consider blood testing necessary only for acute—i.e., sudden, high-dose—occupational exposure, the university will still offer this service to staff and students at the Corvinus University medical office during consultation hours for three weeks.