Water Quality Testing

According to the EPA, lead is distributed in the environment through both natural and man-made means. Today, the greatest contributions of lead to the environment stem from past human activities. Sources of lead exposure include:

• Lead-based paint
• Lead in the air from industrial emissions
• Lead in soil from past emissions due to leaded gas as well as lead paint chips and dust
• Lead in industrial or consumer products or food, which can be found in some imported candies; medicines, dishes, toys, jewelry and plastics or byproducts of lead production
• Lead in water

To protect public health, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has set standards for drinking water for lead. They recommend schools take action to reduce the level of lead when found above 15 parts per billion (ppb). Edmonds School District follows RCW 28A.210.410 which sets the threshold to take action on drinking water fixtures that test over five parts per billion (ppb). It is important to note that these action levels are not a measure of health effects but are signals to take steps to reduce the amount of lead in drinking the water.

Lead may get into drinking water in two ways:

1. By being present in the source water, such as coming from contaminated runoff

or

2. Through an interaction between the water and plumbing materials.
    

Public water systems that provide water to schools and homes in our area meet strict guidelines for testing their water sources and meet federal and state public health standards for lead. Some lead may get into the water from the distribution system – the network of pipes that carry the water from the public water system source to homes, businesses, and schools in the community. Interior plumbing, soldered joints, leaded brass fittings, and drinking water fixtures that contain lead materials are the primary contributors of lead in drinking water.

A sample of water is taken and tested by a certified laboratory. Tests are conducted on a prioritized sample basis, which includes collecting samples from drinking water fixtures which are classified as drinking fountains, water bottle filling stations, classroom bubblers, and food prep fixtures and sprayers. Laboratory analysis test results indicate any levels of lead found in the water sample which are stated in parts per billion (ppb).

After corrective measures are taken to reduce lead, a follow-up water sample is collected and tested. If test results continue to be above the action level, additional remedial steps are taken and retesting is done until the levels are no longer elevated.

Please visit the Washington State Department of Health web page on lead frequently asked questions and resources and the Environmental Protection Agency's web page on lead in drinking water.