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Lead information and test results

Effective 2021, Washington state law (RCW 28A.210.410 and RCW 43.70.830) requires drinking water in all K–12 public schools built, or with all plumbing replaced, before 2016 be tested for lead. The purpose of lead testing is to identify drinking water outlets that are potential sources of lead exposure.  

Sometimes lead can accumulate in older or infrequently used drinking water outlets, so these outlets are identified through testing so they can be shut off, replaced or made handwashing only to reduce exposure to lead from school drinking water.

While the likelihood of school drinking water alone causing an elevated blood lead level is very low, it is important to reduce exposure from every source as much as possible. 

Why lead is a concern 

Children are exposed to lead from a variety of environmental sources. Each exposure contributes to the amount of lead in a child’s body. Some common exposure sources in the home include: 

  • Dust from old, deteriorating lead paint.  
  • Contaminated soil. 
  • Lead dust tracked into the home from external sources, such as parents and regular visitors who work in certain industries where lead is present. 

Children six years old and younger are the most susceptible to the effects of lead. Their growing bodies absorb more lead than adults, and their brains and nervous systems are more sensitive to the damaging effects of lead. Even at very low levels of exposure, children may experience effects, such as lower IQ levels, reduced attention span, hyperactivity, poor classroom performance, or other harmful physical and behavioral effects. Children over the age of eight are less susceptible to the impacts of lead exposure. Children who have been exposed to lead may not look or act sick. The best way to tell if a child has been exposed is with a blood lead test. 

Where to Learn More 

Lead test results for our schools are available on our website below. For more information about water quality in our schools, please get in touch with our Facilities Department at 509.787.8998.  

More information about lead exposure and how to prevent it is available at doh.wa.gov/lead. If you are concerned that your child has been exposed to lead for any reason, ask your healthcare provider about having them tested for lead. 

Lead testing results in the Quincy School District 

Water Testing Report from 2023

We are pleased to report that testing and remediation of lead in drinking water was completed back in 2023 from May through October.
 
 
In total, the district initially tested more than 120 drinking water fixtures district-wide as part of our commitment to student and staff safety and compliance. In accordance with Department of Health (DOH) guidelines for lead in school drinking water, the district will conduct its next round of testing in 2028
 

Subject: Water Testing Results and Remediation Plan

Dear Staff and Families,
 
As part of our unwavering commitment to providing a safe and healthy environment for our students and staff, I want to share the results of our 2023 water testing conducted by the Washington State Department of Health (DOH) across all our district buildings with the exception of Ancient Lakes and the Quincy High school because they were built after 2016 and did not need to be tested.
 
Background on Washington State’s Lead Testing Requirements
As of 2021, Washington state law (RCW 28A.210.410 and RCW 43.70.830) mandates lead testing in drinking water for all K–12 public schools built, or with plumbing replaced, before 2016. The purpose of this testing is to identify drinking water outlets that may be potential sources of lead exposure. It is natural for lead to accumulate in older or infrequently used outlets, and testing helps identify those outlets so they can be shut off or replaced, reducing exposure to lead in school drinking water.
 
Washington State is recognized for having some of the strictest water quality standards in the country. These requirements ensure that schools proactively address lead exposure risks, particularly in older facilities.
 
What Testing Revealed
District-wide testing identified that only 1 fixture did not meet the state’s threshold of being under the 5 parts per billion (ppb) for lead content. This fixture was in room 11 at Monument Elementary and was immediately removed back in May of 2023 as part of our remediation process. While this finding required remediation, it is important to note that no health concerns were reported, and we acted with urgency to remove and remediate the fixture in room 11 at Monument.
 
How we address a fixture if it is over the 5 parts per billion (ppb) threshold
  1. Temporary Measures: Affected fixtures will be identified, and signage will be posted designating them for handwashing use only.
  2. Fixture Replacement: Although we are allowed six months to replace these fixtures, we aim to complete replacements within a few weeks.
  3. Post-Replacement Testing: After replacements are installed, we will coordinate with the DOH for retesting. Given the demand across 295 districts in Washington, retesting schedules will depend on state tester availability.
 
Our Commitment to Transparency and Safety
We will continue to keep our community informed if we have a fixture test over the state's 5 ppb threshold. Once the replacement and retest are complete, we will provide updates on our website under the Departments/Facilities tab regarding the results and any additional steps required. 
 
Resources for Families
Lead exposure is a concern that extends beyond school water fixtures, and we encourage families to learn more about minimizing risks in their homes and environments. The Washington State Department of Health, EPA, and CDC provide helpful resources on this topic, including information on testing and prevention.
Additional information about lead exposure, as well as how to prevent lead exposure, is available at doh.wa.gov/lead. You can also reach out to the DOH Childhood Blood Lead Program at 800-909-9898 or lead@doh.wa.gov for more information
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Working Together for Safety
These proactive measures underscore our commitment to fostering a safe and nurturing environment where all students are safe, known, and prepared to reach their highest potential. Thank you for your understanding and support as we work to provide the safest and healthiest environment for our students and staff with diligence and care. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.
 
Sincerely,
Tom Harris
Quincy School District Facilities Director