KU Medical Center closes multiple buildings on campus due to water problems

The University of Kansas Medical Center announced Thursday that a water issue has resulted in the continued closure of multiple buildings at the university medical center.

According to the university, the Wyandotte County wastewater department told officials that low levels of molybdenum were found at the 39th Street and Rainbow Avenue campus in Kansas City, Kansas.

Molybdenum is an essential trace element that is naturally present in many foods and is also available as a dietary supplement, the University of Kansas Medical Center said. An email sent to staff Friday morning said levels are measured by the county for the purpose of determining risk to the aquatic environment, not to evaluate risk to humans.

The university has stopped the use of water in the affected buildings and are engaging outside consultants to investigate the situation, the university said in a statement.

According to officials, the Medical Center has limited the number of university employees and students on campus Friday, and canceled activities at affected buildings.

The university announced employees who work at affected buildings should continue to work remotely. Students at the Kansas City School of Medicine were also notified that exams would be conducted online on Friday.

The University of Kansas Health System is still providing patient care with appropriate accommodations.

Leadership told staff that teams are working to identify and resolve the issue, and will get more information from the Kansas Department of Health and Environment.

This story was originally published December 15, 2023 at 12:25 PM.