Test Results—Lead in Drinking Water in Schools

Concentration of lead in drinking water, even when it exceeds 20 ppb, is low compared to other sources of lead such as lead paint. The likelihood of drinking water at school alone causing an elevated blood lead level is very low. If you believe your child may have been exposed to lead in the environment, contact your healthcare provider.   

• Health effects, common sources and how to prevent exposure

• Testing for lead in drinking water in schools - what is DOH doing

The Department of Health recommends schools take the following actions:

For each fixture with lead results over the 20 ppb

• Take the fixture out of service or make it inaccessible to students and staff.
• Take flush samples to determine where the lead is coming from (the fixture or plumbing system).
• Replace fixtures with certified lead-free fixtures or remove the fixtures permanently if they are not needed.
• If replacing fixtures, schools should contact DOH to discuss steps to take to ensure the water is safe to drink before returning it to use.

For each fixture with lead results between 10 and 19 ppb one or more of the following

• Replace fixtures with certified lead-free fixtures or remove the fixtures permanently if they are not needed.
• Implement a flushing program to help reduce lead levels that may increase while fixtures are not in use.
• Clean aerators regularly to remove particulates that may contain lead.
• Install a National Sanitation Foundation (NSF) certified filter to remove lead and replace it as recommended by the manufacturer.
• Permanently convert these fixtures to hand wash only stations.
• Remove the fixture permanently.
• If replacing fixtures, schools should contact DOH to discuss steps to take to ensure the water is safe to drink before returning it to use.

For each fixture with lead results between 2 and 9 ppb

• Implement a flushing program to help reduce lead levels that may increase while fixtures are not in use.
• Clean aerators regularly to remove particulates that may contain lead.

More information is available in the Guidance for Responding to Lead Test Results (PDF)

Resources

• Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program (health effects of lead, common sources, how to prevent exposure)
• Department of Health's recommendation in response to the Governor's Directive on Lead 16-06, (PDF)
• Governor's Directive on Lead (PDF)
• Information for Schools