Current Information on Water Use in the Building at Vodární 6
What is happening and what do we know?
Based on professional water samples collected from eight locations within the Vodární 6 building, elevated levels of lead have been confirmed in part of the original water distribution system. The report has been submitted to the leadership of the Faculty of Arts.
Please continue not to use water from standard taps for drinking or for the preparation of beverages and food. The water may be used for hand washing and routine cleaning.
Samples taken from designated drinking fountains met all required limits and water from these fountains is safe to drink.
The Faculty of Arts continues its technical assessment of the water distribution system and the professional evaluation of further steps.
Page published: 14 October 2026, 16:00.
Last updated: 16 October 2026, 18:13.
Next update will be published no later than: 21 October 2026 (following the expert meeting on Tuesday).
What you should do now
- Use water from the designated drinking fountains on the ground floor, first floor and second floor, or use supplied bottled water or water from bottled-water dispensers for drinking.
- Do not use water from other taps for drinking or for preparing coffee, tea, food or ice.
- Water from other taps may be used for hand washing, personal hygiene and routine cleaning.
- Please follow the signage at individual water collection points.
- Please check this page regularly for updated information.
Where drinking water is available
-
verified drinking fountains / ground floor, first floor and second floor of the Vodární 6 building
control samples from these fountains complied with all required limits, water from these designated fountains is safe to drink -
bottled-water dispensers / corridors of the Vodární 6 building
Ground floor: 8 dispensers, First floor: 7 dispensers, Second floor: 5 dispensers - bottled water (while supplies last) / entrance lobby in front of the reception desk, Vodární 6 building + Department of Psychology – bottled water is distributed directly to offices and classrooms by Mgr. Ondrej Gergely, Ph.D.
How the University is responding
This overview provides a transparent record of completed actions, ongoing measures and planned next steps.
Action | Timeline | Status | |
|---|---|---|---|
Restrict access to unverified water outlets and clearly mark them | Immediate | Completed | |
Provide alternative drinking-water supplies | Immediate | Completed | |
Arrange independent sampling and laboratory testing in cooperation with the Public Health Institute | 13 October 2026 | Completed | |
Evaluate test results and determine a safe water-use regime for the building | 16 October 2026 | Completed | |
Verify water collection points designated for drinking | 16 October 2026 | Completed | |
Publish recommendations from the Regional Public Health Authority (KHS) for building users | 16 October 2026 | Completed | |
Meeting for employees and students using the Vodární 6 building to present results of the technical assessment and answer related questions | 20 October 2026 | Scheduled |
Frequently asked questions
Can I drink water from the original outlet or use it for cooking if I let it run for a while first?
No. The restriction on using water from the original water distribution system for drinking and for the preparation of beverages remains in place regardless of how long the water is allowed to run.
Can I use water from ordinary taps for hand washing or routine cleaning?
Yes.
Can I drink water from the designated drinking fountains?
Yes. Samples taken from the drinking fountains met all required safety standards.
Can I prepare beverages using water from the drinking fountains?
Yes, provided that the water outlet is explicitly marked as a verified source of drinking water.
Why do restrictions on the other taps remain in place?
Because elevated levels of lead were identified in the original water distribution system during professional testing. Until the technical cause has been fully addressed, the current precautionary measures will remain in effect.
When will the situation return to normal?
Any changes to the current arrangements will be made only on the basis of further technical assessments and expert evaluation. We will communicate all updates on this page.
Where can I ask technical or professional questions?
On Tuesday, 20 October 2026, at 18:30, an information meeting will be held in the Faculty of Arts Lecture Hall (Křížkovského 10) with a specialist from the Public Health Institute focusing on drinking water issues. There will also be an opportunity for employees and students to ask questions.
Expert Information Meeting for Building Users
Tuesday, 20 October 2026 | 18:30 | Faculty of Arts Main Hall (Křížkovského 10)
Meeting for employees and students who use the Vodární 6 building to present the results of the professional assessment and answer related questions.
Contact and updates
Next scheduled update: no later than 21 October 2026 (following the expert meeting on Tuesday)
Questions from building users
Bc. Pavel Liolias
Occupational Health and Safety, Fire Protection and Crisis Management Officer
Tel.: +420 585 631 052
E-mail: pavel.liolias@upol.cz
Bc. Pavel Hampl (queries regarding water distribution or information not covered on this page)
Senior Maintenance Officer
Tel.: +420 739 481 263
E-mail: p.hampl@upol.cz
Media enquiries
Bc. Egon Havrlant
Head of Communications, Palacký University
University Spokesperson
Mobile: +420 606 607 687
E-mail: egon.havrlant@upol.cz