District 30 water tests reveal traces of lead; Six fountains identified

Six water fountains in District 30 were disconnected on June 15, after preliminary tests indicated that the lead content was above the Environmental Protection Agency’s mandated levels.

“As always, the safety of our students and staff is our top priority, and we remain committed to maintaining a high environmental quality within our schools,” Superintendent Nicholas Stirling said in a letter mailed home to parents.

Four fountains at the Shaw Avenue School and two fountains at the Clear Stream Avenue School were cited. Fifty-seven water stations were tested throughout the district. Stirling said the custodial staff has implemented a flushing procedure before school opens each day per the EPA’s recommendation, and all affected fountains have been taken out of use.

Currently, schools are required by the EPA to take action when drinking water contains lead in excess of 20 parts per billion, though many choose to address the problem at 15 parts per billion, the guideline for public water systems.

Stirling said four of the six fountains where the lead was found weren’t regularly used for drinking. One of the fountains at the Clear Stream Avenue School, in which higher lead levels was found, had been inoperable for about eight weeks, and another, was an art classroom sink.

The district contracted with the Ronkonkoma-based Enviroscience Consultants Inc., and a second round of testing has already begun. Stirling said more comprehensive resulted were expected in the coming weeks.