Water Test Finds Lead at Edison Elementary School

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Two fixtures at Edison Elementary School were removed after test results of the water indicated “actionable levels” of lead.

The EPA action level is 20 parts per billion (ppb). One fixture contained 23 ppb and the other contained 13 ppb, but both were removed.

“Department of Health staff tested 35 fixtures at Edison Elementary. Essentially all of the fixtures that could provide drinking water or be used to prepare food,” said Superintendent Mark Davalos in a press release. “The results for one fixture showed lead at 23 parts per billion (ppb), which is above the EPA action level of 20 ppb. Another showed lead at 13 ppb, the district is treating both as though they are above the action level.”

The Department of Health tested the fixtures on March 8 and Centralia School District received the results on April 18. Both fixtures were removed immediately.

“We are conducting further tests to rule out any potential errors,” Davalos said in the press release. “Pending those results we will work to identify the source of any lead contamination in the water supply and make the necessary repairs to eliminate the problem. We will not return the affected fixtures to service until we are confident the water is safe for consumption.”

According to the press release, water supplies at schools in the Centralia School District are tested annually. The other fixtures at the elementary school were within the EPA’s limits.

“Parents who are concerned about their child’s lead exposure for any reason should contact their healthcare provider about lead screening,” Davalos said in the press release.

Clarification:

A previous version of this story used a quote from Mark Davalos in a press release from Centralia School District. The quote incorrectly stated that the Department of Health tested the fixtures on April 18. The Department of Health tested the fixtures on March 8 and Centralia School District received the results on April 18. The story has been updated to reflect this.