Water Information

Water Reports

Cochran Campus Water System Consumer Confidence Report (CCR), 2021

Cochran Campus Water System Consumer Confidence Report (CCR), 2020

Cochran Campus Water System Consumer Confidence Report (CCR), 2018

Cochran Campus Water System Consumer Confidence Report (CCR), 2017

Cochran Campus Water Test, December 2017

Cochran Campus EPD water test summary, June 2016

Cochran Campus Georgia EPD water test detailed results, June 2016

Cochran Campus Water System Consumer Confidence Report (CCR), 2015

Cochran Campus water test results 2014-15

Historical water quality reports are on file and are available on request.

Our Macon, Warner Robins, Dublin, and Eastman campuses are served by their respective municipal water systems. For water quality results for those campuses, please visit the following links:

Violations

Updates

September 2019 Cochran Water Testing Results

The latest state-mandated test of the drinking  water on Middle Georgia State University's Cochran Campus indicates that  lead concentrations at all testing sites are below the federally-defined action level of 15 parts per billion (ppb).

This test was performed on samples of  water drawn from 10 locations on campus during September of this year. The test results show lead concentration levels ranging from 0 ppb to a maximum of 9.0 ppb. The campus' 90th percentile score -- the score used by the state's Environmental Protection Division to determine compliance – was 4.2 ppb.  To see the full range of scores, see below.

Site Location

Lead concentration (ppb: parts per billion)

Copper concentration (ppb: parts per billion)

Wellness Center

1.6

180.000

Regents Hall

0.0

58.000

Knights Hall

0.0

40.000

Memorial Hall

9.0

140.000

Russell Hall

1.6

310.000

Ebenezer Hall

0.0

130.000

Walker Hall

4.2

500.000

Peacock Hall

3.1

340.000

Morris Gymnasium

0.0

120.000

Georgia Hall

1.2

76.000

If you have questions about the water supply on the Cochran Campus, please contact Multi-Campus Director, Plant Operations, Tyler Warren, at 478.934.3008 or .

September 2018 Cochran Water Testing Results

The latest state-mandated test of the drinking water on Middle Georgia State University's Cochran Campus indicates that lead concentrations at all testing sites are well below the federally-defined action level of 15 parts per billion (ppb).

This test was performed on samples of water drawn from 10 locations on campus during September of this year. The test results show lead concentration levels ranging from 0 ppb to a maximum of 2.0 ppb. The campus' 90th percentile score -- the score used by the state's Environmental Protection Division to determine compliance – was 2.0 ppb. To see the full range of scores, see below.

Site Location

Lead concentration (ppb: parts per billion)

Copper concentration (ppb: parts per billion)

Wellness Center

0.0

130.000

Regents Hall

0.0

43.000

Knights Hall

0.0

48.000

Memorial Hall

0.0

29.000

Russell Hall

0.0

87.000

Ebenezer Hall

2.0

260.000

Walker Hall

0.0

300.000

Peacock Hall

1.0

580.000

Morris Gymnasium

2.0

250.000

Georgia Hall

0.0

82.000

If you have questions about the water supply on the Cochran Campus, please contact Multi-Campus Director, Plant Operations, Tyler Warren, at 478.934.3008 or .

December 2017 Cochran water Testing Results

Site Location

Lead concentration (ppb: parts per billion)

Copper concentration (ppb: parts per billion)

Wellness Center

0.0

280.000

Regents Hall

2.9

130.000

Knights Hall

7.2

220.000

Memorial Hall

1.2

110.000

Russell Hall

2.6

200.000

Ebenezer Hall

2.6

890.000

Walker Hall

0.0

280.000

Peacock Hall

0.0

230.000

Morris Gymnasium

1.1

370.000

Georgia Hall

1.4

560.000

July 25, 2016

Latest state test indicates low lead levels in Cochran Campus water

Lead concentrations at all testing sites below the 15 ppb action level

The latest state-mandated test of the drinking water on Middle Georgia State University's Cochran Campus indicates that lead concentrations at all testing sites are well below the federally-defined action level of 15 parts per billion (ppb).

This test was performed on samples of water drawn from 20 locations on campus during the last week of June 2016. The test results show lead concentration levels ranging from 0 ppb to a maximum of 8.7 ppb. The campus' 90th percentile score – the score used by the state's Environmental Protection Division – was 5.1 ppb.

These results reflect the effectiveness of corrosion control measures put into place by the University during the spring of 2016.

The next round of testing will occur in December 2016. Updates on the water quality in Cochran will be posted to www.mga.edu/water. If you have questions about the water supply on the Cochran Campus, please contact Interim Multi-Campus Director, Plant Operations, Tyler Warren, at 478.934.3008 or .

April 13, 2016

Lead concentrations now below action level in all buildings

After receiving the results of a voluntary test conducted on 4/8/2016, Middle Georgia State University can report that lead concentrations in all buildings on the Cochran campus are now below federally-mandated action levels.

The most recent test adhered to federal testing guidelines; water was allowed to rest in the pipes for six hours prior to sampling. According to these results, water in Gateway and Anderson Halls, the last two locations to result levels at or exceeding the federal standard, are now below the action level of 15ppb.

Additionally, a March 15 Georgia Rural Water Association test of the water in the well that serves the Cochran campus shows no detectable levels of lead in the water source.

With lead concentrations at all testing sites now exceeding federal water quality standards, Middle Georgia State University will be phasing out all distribution of free bottled water on the Cochran campus.

Test results for 4/8/2016:
Anderson Hall – 12 ppb
Gateway Hall – 6.6 ppb

The next water test that will take place on the Cochran campus will be the government-mandated quality test which will take place in June. If you have any questions about water quality in Cochran, please contact David Sims, Assistant VP for Facilities.

April 7, 2016

Latest test shows reduced lead concentrations

The results of a voluntary water test conducted on 4/1 reveal that lead concentrations on the Cochran campus continue to fall. This latest test was conducted according to EPA testing procedures, which means that water was allowed to remain resting in the pipes for six hours before testing samples were drawn. By comparison, the test conducted on 3/24 was conducted immediately after a two-minute flush of the plumbing.

According to the latest test results, lead concentrations in Anderson, Georgia, and Knights Halls have fallen out of the federally-mandated action level of over 15 ppb. Levels in Gateway Hall remain above the action level, but have fallen over 25% from the previous six-hour test, which was conducted on 3/18.

Normal dining operations have resumed in Georgia Hall, and employees in the dining hall are continuing to use the EPA-recommended flushing procedures. In light of this latest test result, water fountains are being re-enabled in Anderson and Knights Hall.

As the corrosion control measures put into place by JandT Environmental Services continue to operate, Middle Georgia State expects lead concentrations to continue to fall. Our next federally-mandated water quality test will take place in June.

Test results for 4/1/16:
Anderson Hall – 15 ppb
Gateway Hall – 33 ppb
Georgia Hall – 6.3 ppb
Knights Hall – 14 ppb

If you have questions about the new procedure or about water quality in Cochran, please feel free to contact David Sims, Assistant VP for Facilities.

April 5, 2016

Normal operations resume in dining hall, town hall meeting held

Georgia Hall Update:

Following consultation with JandT Environmental Services and the Georgia Department of Health, Middle Georgia State University has developed procedures and practices that will allow us to resume normal dining services in Georgia Hall, starting on 4/6/2016.

After reviewing the results of a water test conducted on 3/31 ( see below), Dining Services will be adopting a water-flushing procedure in the kitchen in Georgia Hall. Our testing shows that this EPA-recommended practice will reduce the lead concentration in the water to below federally-accepted action levels. JandT Environmental Services confirm that this practice is safe and in accordance with state and federal guidelines.

Town Hall meeting:

On April 4, the University held a Town Hall meeting in Russell Auditorium, at which students and employees were invited to ask questions about water quality in Cochran. Assistant VP for Facilities David Sims and Rick Jeffares, owner of JandT Environmental Services, started the event with a quick introduction. Sims gave attendees a brief rundown on the events to date and reminded the participants that, according to the results of MGA's most recent official testing, the water on the Cochran campus is in compliance with EPA guidelines.

Jeffares then took over with a short explanation of the EPA regulations and the steps that have been and will be taken to reduce lead concentrations in the water, including the injection of phosphates into the water system to coat the pipes and reduce the amount of lead leaching into the water. Jeffares explained how lead enters a water system from older (pre-1985) plumbing fixtures and joints, and talked about an EPA recommendation that daily flushing of water from a user's tap for 1-2 minutes will reduce an individual's exposure to lead.

Following this, the meeting was opened up to questions – here's a list of the questions asked, and synopses of the answers:

  • Why is lead concentration highest in some of the newest buildings on campus?
    • Because of the way the service lines are laid out, lead may be leaching into the system from other locations on campus and traveling into the newer buildings.
  • Will a Brita or other filter-pitcher work to remove lead?
    • Yes, but only if (a) the filter is designed to remove lead, and (b) if the user is diligent about replacing the filter cartridge.
  • Do you suggest that students be blood-tested for lead?
    • No, lead concentrations are not high enough to warrant widespread testing. Moreover, according to the CDC and the Georgia Department of Health, detrimental health effects from lead in drinking water tend to result from long-term exposure among young children (under age 6) and expectant mothers. If an individual is concerned, they can pursue a test at their own expense.
  • Will the Health Clinic be offering a reduced-price blood test for lead?
    • No, there are no discounts in place for blood testing.
  • Will bottled water be delivered to students' residence rooms?
    • Water is being made available at the front desks and RA locations in the affected residence halls.
  • Why are only four buildings affected if all the water comes from the same source?
    • Lead in water typically enters via the plumbing system. The water from the well does not itself contain lead; because of the way the Cochran water system is laid out, water in certain buildings has had more or less exposure to older, lead-containing plumbing.
  • How does the EPA determine compliance with its regulations – are reported results based on an average of test site results?
    • The EPA requires that systems report a 90th-percentile result for lead/copper testing. In the case of MGA's official EPA testing – in which 20 sites are evaluated – the 3rd highest score (the 90th percentile) is the result reported to the EPA. MGA is currently working to exceed EPA guidelines and ensure that all testing locations return results below the federal action level of 15 ppb.

Following this last question, attendees were encouraged to pick up an EPA brochure from the front of the auditorium, and the meeting was closed.

If you have questions about the new procedure or about water quality in Cochran, please feel free to contact David Sims, Assistant VP for Facilities.

March 31, 2016

Running-water test results, new filters installed, Town Hall meeting announced

Running-water tests performed in Anderson, Gateway, Georgia, and Knights Hall on 3/24 all showed lead concentrations of below 1 ppb, far below the federally-mandated action level. These tests were performed on water following a flush of the water system, which is a practice recommended by the EPA.

Additionally, two more filters have been installed in Georgia Hall on water lines serving the ice makers - ice machines will now be dispensing locally-produced ice made with filtered water.

Finally, a Town Hall meeting has been scheduled for 4:00 pm on Monday, April 4th in Russell Auditorium. Members of the campus community are encouraged to attend and ask any questions they may have about water quality on the Cochran campus. On hand to answer questions will be David Sims, Assistant VP for Facilities, and a representative from JandT Environmental Services.

March 28, 2016

Filter installed for drink machines in Georgia Hall

We have installed a filter on the water line supplying the Coca-Cola Freestyle machines and the cold tea dispenser in Georgia Hall. This filter is designed to reduce lead concentrations to below the federally-mandated action level of 15 ppb. After installation, the machines were flushed thoroughly to remove any traces of pre-filtered water from the machines and their supply lines. All drinks dispensed from these machines are now being made with filtered water.

We are continuing to use bagged ice made with filtered water in all ice dispensers in Georgia Hall.

As always, if you have any questions about the quality of the water on the Cochran campus, you can contact David Sims, Assistant VP for Facilities.

March 24, 2016

Important: Notification Regarding Lead in Drinking Water on Cochran Campus

The health and well-being of our campus community is essential. While this situation is not an emergency , you have a right to information about the quality of your drinking water.

WHAT IS GOING ON?

A voluntary water test performed on our Cochran campus on March 23, 2016 indicated that water in four buildings on campus—Anderson Hall, Gateway Hall, Georgia Hall, and Knights Hall—had levels of lead above the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) “Action level” of 15 parts per billion. We ordered the voluntary test because past water tests on the Cochran campus have intermittently shown slightly elevated levels of lead in various locations around campus.

Of our five campuses, Cochran is the only campus served by its own water system. Every six months, we test the Cochran Campus water system for the presence of lead. The other campuses are connected to city water systems, which do their own testing. If lead concentration is higher than a certain amount, we must take steps to lower it and promptly notify consumers.

Tests conducted in December 2014, after students had finished the Fall semester, follow-up tests in March 2015, and voluntary tests conducted last week all indicated slightly elevated levels of lead in some buildings on the Cochran Campus. While we posted some information on the university website as early as Spring 2015, further updates, posters and notification to students, faculty, and staff on the Cochran Campus are necessary.

WHAT IS MGA DOING ABOUT IT?

MGA has developed and is implementing both short-term and long-term solutions, including:

  • From the moment we learned of the situation, we have been working with the Georgia Environmental Protection Division (GA EPD), the Georgia Rural Water Association (GRWA), water systems engineers from Carter and Sloope, and experts at JandT Environmental Services to evaluate the current quality of our water and implement best practices to improve it.
  • Starting last week, we placed posters on lead in drinking water in high traffic areas on the Cochran Campus and are providing all students, faculty, and staff with additional information via email and online at www.mga.edu/water.
  • We are disabling water fountains or installing filters on water fountains in affected buildings.
  • We have secured an alternate source of water for food preparation in Georgia Hall, and are using disposable plates, cups, and cutlery until the situation is resolved.
  • Until levels return to below the EPA threshold, bottled water is available for all students, faculty, staff, and visitors at the Cochran Campus.
  • President Blake ordered an audit of the university procedures involved in monitoring water quality and informing the campus community about health and safety issues. The results of that audit will lead to swift action to address any personnel or process shortcomings.
  • External consultants will continue to test and monitor the quality of our drinking water above and beyond EPA and EPD requirements.
  • Effective immediately, we will begin treating the water on the Cochran Campus as part of a corrosion control plan in coordination with external consultants and the Georgia Environmental Protection Division.

WHERE DO I GET BOTTLED WATER IN COCHRAN?

Water is available in Georgia Hall from 8am to 5pm and in the Wellness Center from 8am to 8pm. In addition, water will be delivered to residents of the affected buildings.

WHO DO I CONTACT WITH QUESTIONS?

Assistant VP for Facilities, David Sims, at 478-934-3000 or