Dear Parents, Guardians, Faculty, Staff and Students,
Last Tuesday, I received our initial water sample test results from the company we hired to conduct the sample tests. This letter, along with the social media and website posts made earlier, is to formally communicate the results of the initial water sampling.
State statute requires all public school districts to test all water outlets in the entire district and to remediate any locations that test positive for lead in the water at a level greater than 5 parts per billion (same requirements for bottled water). This testing and remediation is to be completed before the beginning of the 24-25 school year.
In December, we had Get The Lead Out LLC conduct initial water sampling and those were sent to a lab to be tested. At that time, there were 138 test points sampled. Of those 138 tested, 85 indicated some level of lead was detected, but only 28 of required water outlets sampled were above the 5 ppb requirement. Note: The initial testing included locker room showers, but showers do not meet the criteria set forth in state statute and are not subject to remediation.
Of the 28 outlets requiring immediate action and follow-up flush sample testing, 2 were older drinking fountains located in the High School and they have been marked as Out of Service and signage posted. We will have to order new fountains, as these two were not replaced with the bottle filler fountains during the COVID pandemic like the rest of the water fountains throughout the district. There were a few kitchen sinks that required a filtration system be installed or that they be placed out of service. We have installed a compliant water filtration system on these identified faucets or have put the faucets out of service until after the follow-up flush tests. Many of the 28 water outlets identified were hand sinks (like in the bathrooms), which just require a sign stating that the water is non-potable and is not to be used for drinking, cooking or washing dishes. Both of the cafeteria kitchens have a sprayer, called a Scullery Sprayer, which is used to spray food trays
before putting them in the commercial dishwasher, which both cleans and sanitizes all trays and silverware. Both of these sprayers tested above the 5 ppb limit, but they are still able to be used as long as they are flushed for at least 3 minutes daily before use. Signs have been posted denoting this and the kitchen staff have been informed of the new procedure. The district will be looking to replace these sprayers after the follow-up flush tests are conducted.
Here are links to the Information on the Lead Testing Initial Test Results and the full Lab Report of the Test Results.
Our follow-up flush testing is schedule for Friday, March 1, 2024 in the morning before school starts. I will continue to communicate results and the district’s actions to remediate any issues as we continue through the process. In the meantime, if you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Sincerely,
John French
Superintendent
Lewis County C-1 School District