NIU has cleaned up its water by working to reduce the high levels of copper caused by stagnant water in building pipes last summer, said Bob Albanese, associate vice president of Finance and Facilities.

NIU, along with the city of DeKalb, has developed a special mix of chemicals to treat the water to ensure low copper readings. They are also constantly checking the water to maintain the low readings, Albanese said.

The Environmental Protection Agency’s drinking-water standards allow 1.3 milligrams of copper per liter of water. NIU’s previous copper levels were between 1.8 and 2.5 milligrams per liter. However, this year the ratings are below EPA standards.

The high copper levels were a result of unused water sitting in copper pipes last summer, Albanese said. Certain buildings like the Engineering Building, which was not used during the summer, were at high risk before because the water was not in constant circulation, he said.

But this semester NIU seems to have things under control.

“There still are some concerns about copper, but everything is under control because number one; we’re aware of it and number two; we are taking the right types of actions to negate the high copper content,” Albanese said.

The copper levels in the water in the residence halls have already been checked to ensure the safety of returning students, and all drinking fountains on campus have been equipped with an external filter that continuously cleans the water, he said.

Albanese said that there may, however, be areas that have been overlooked.

The EPA Web site states that if your water has a bitter metallic taste or if you experience flu-like symptoms, it may have a high copper level.