SCSD 1 Schools testing water for lead
by Sublette County School District 1
September 24, 2016
Update Friday, Sept. 23, 2016: After consultation with the Town of Pinedale, Pinedale Elementary School (PES) will not be included in the shut down of drinking water sources. The source of lead is believed to be within PHS, a building built before 1986. The district will test PMS, Bondurant, Wrangler Gym, and the administration building as a precaution. As much newer construction, PES will continue with normal operations.
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Original Release:
Today (Friday, Sept. 23, 2016), Sublette County School District 1 received a report from the Town of Pinedale that elevated lead levels were found in water from a faucet in Pinedale High School. The report was the result of the district’s participation in a lead tap monitoring program. Lead was detected at 0.028 mg/L. This is above the lead action level of 0.015 mg/L.
As this is a potential health risk, action is being taken immediately. The water source and all drinking fountains have been shut down, and the district will immediately begin the process of testing all water sources within district buildings, beginning with water fountains.
Water sources used for drinking will remain shut down until they can be tested. Staff and students are advised not to drink the water from any water fountain or tap at a SCSD 1 school until the district can test these sources. The district will be providing drinking water for students and staff, however they are encouraged to bring water from home as well as water bottles to access the drinking water provided by the district.
Although the SCSD 1 maintenance department is currently working to test all water taps in all SCSD 1 buildings, this is likely to take some time. The EPA has provided guidance that hand washing and showering are not considered risks as human skin does not absorb lead in water. As such bathroom faucet and shower use will continue, although staff and students are once again reminded not to use these sources for drinking.
Once the district has isolated the source of the lead contamination, it will immediately begin the process remediating the problem.
Parents who have questions or concerns regarding a child’s exposure to lead should contact their primary doctor to set up an appointment for a lead screening.
As test results are collected, we will post any findings that show levels above the EPA 15ppb guideline on at the district website at www.sub1.org >Departments > Maintenance. The direct link is https://goo.gl/f1t0nj
The district will provide regular updates to this issue as more information becomes available.
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