Just because you can’t see it, doesn’t mean it’s not there. Case in point: lead contaminated water in schools. Sure, the water coming out of fountains and faucets might look clear and refreshing, but it could contain lead.
Lead in water could pose a significant risk for children because they absorb more of it compared to adults. Ensuring cleaner and safer drinking water fountains in schools can help foster a healthier and safer learning environment for students.
Lead can enter a school’s drinking water through various sources but the most common is old lead piping. When plumbing fixtures, faucets, or pipes contain lead, they can corrode over time releasing particles into the drinking water.
This process is worsened in water supplies with low mineral content or high acidity. Schools that rely on water softeners or neglect alkalinity management, may face higher lead levels as a result.
Testing for lead in a school’s water system requires sending water samples to a certified laboratory for analysis. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) provides a list of state-certified programs qualified to conduct these tests.
Typically, laboratories will supply a sample container for administrators to collect water. For larger schools, you'll need to test multiple faucets throughout the building.
When you get the results, the ideal outcome is to have 0 parts-per-billion (ppb) of lead. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends lead concentrations in school water fountains should not exceed 1 ppb.
Some states, like New Hampshire, require you to address lead in water in schools at 5 ppb, while others have set higher limits such as 15 ppb.
If you discovered your school's water supply has lead, what next? Here are some remediation strategies to help ensure children have access to drinking water with reduced lead levels:
There's no federal mandate for how often schools should test their water for lead, but many states have their own guidelines. For example, Pennsylvania recommends annual lead testing in schools.
Schools should also make sure they're properly maintaining filters and aerators. For instance, they'll need to replace their cartridges at the suggested frequencies. It's also important to regularly clean faucet aerators, as they can collect lead deposit(s) over time.
Many people simply don't know that lead in school water can be a problem. Fortunately, the federal Lead and Copper Rule requires schools to inform the public if lead is found in their drinking water.
If a school lacks funds to test for lead, they may be eligible to apply for the Lead Testing in School and Child Care Program Drinking Water grant for funding.
Ensure the future generation stays on track for success by addressing lead in school water. By taking proactive steps to identify and remediate lead contamination, we can help ensure children have access to cleaner, fresh and great-tasting water to support their learning and growth.
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