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Elevated lead levels found in water in 5 North Thurston District schools

By Rob Mackay
Published  June 9, 2016 7:33pm PDT
Associated Press

LACEY, Wash. -- The North Thurston School District said Thursday that elevated levels of lead had been found in water in five of its 21 schools.

“These fixtures in these schools have already been shut off and will require follow-up testing,” said Courtney Schrieve, the district's community relations director. “Bottled water will be brought in at those schools where lead levels were high in drinking water fixtures.”

The district said has already contacted parents and staff and put results and other information on the website. It said the results indicate the water source most likely is not the source of the contamination.

The school district  said it is following information and guidance from the Environmental Protection Agency and the state Department of Health for lead testing. Action is required if the lead level is 20 parts per billion (PPB).

As of June 9, the school district has received initial sample test results from all 21 schools. Here are the results:


     

    "While we understand this issue can cause concern, The Department of Health wants parents to know that drinking water is not a primary source of lead exposure," the district said. "If families are concerned about their child they can contact a health care provider."

    Meanwhile, Evergreen School District officials in Vancouver, Wash., also said Thursday that tests of drinking water at Image Elementary in Vancouver have found elevated lead levels.


    Evergreen School District officials said Thursday the levels range from 20 to 50 parts per billion, which is higher than state standards at 20 parts per billion and the federal limit of 15 parts per billion.

    Drinking fountains at the school have been shut off and bottled water will be provided.

    Testing is underway at all the schools in the district and a second round of more stringent testing is happening at Image.

    Because elevated lead levels may be in pipes or fixtures installed before 2001, the district as a precaution is providing bottled water to the following elementary schools built before that date: Burnt Bridge Creek, Burton, Ellsworth, Fircrest, Fisher's Landing, Harmony, Hearthwood, Illahee, Marrion, Mill Plain, Pioneer, Riverview, Sifton, Silver Star and Sunset.

    Elevated lead levels in water also have been found in some schools in Tacoma, University Place and Sequim.