According to the Japanese news outlet Yomiuri Shimbun, Osaka University revealed on Oct. 20 that tap water pipes in various locations of the school's department were installed incorrectly.
This is part of the clinic building of the hospital attached to the Faculty of Medicine (Suita City, Osaka Prefecture), according to Yomiuri Shimbun.
This resulted in the drinking water pipes being linked to the bathroom, reported Wion News. Even more, this has been going on for over 30 years, since the hospital opened in 1993. According to Wion News, 120 taps were found to be defective.
The well water was flowing to 120 faucets and these faucets were being used for drinking, washing hands, and gargling. Drinking water pipes were connected to the toilet water drainage system.
According to reports, the issue occurred as a result of a mistake in connecting pipes when the hospital was built.
This information came to light during an inspection, when the hospital was preparing to construct a new diagnosis and treatment facility, reported Wion News.
According to reports, the hospital verifies the color, taste, and smell of water once a week, and there have been no issues since 2014.
The university claims that no health risks were discovered throughout the examination, however.
“I am very sorry that the university hospital that provides advanced medical care has caused anxiety,” said Director and Vice President Kazuhiko Nakatani in an apology to thousands of former patients and staff, reported WIC News.
Additionally, the director has assured that all 105 buildings of the university use well-treated water and the school regularly checks the connection of its water pipes.
No health issues have been reported.
