Drinking Water Quality

The district has a robust drinking water quality program that was implemented in 2016. Testing is performed by a third-party testing company and certified industrial hygienist on a four-year cycle at all schools and administrative buildings. In addition, newly constructed buildings are tested prior to occupancy. Since 2016 over 2,500 fixtures have been inventoried and tagged w/ QR-codes.

According to the EPA, lead is distributed in the environment through both natural and man-made means. Today, the greatest contributions of lead to the environment stem from past human activities. Sources of lead exposure include:

• Lead-based paint
• Lead in the air from industrial emissions
• Lead in soil from past emissions due to leaded gas as well as lead paint chips and dust
• Lead in industrial or consumer products or food, which can be found in some imported candies; medicines, dishes, toys, jewelry and plastics or byproducts of lead production
• Lead in water

To protect public health, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has set standards for drinking water for lead. They recommend schools take action to reduce the level of lead when found above 15 parts per billion (ppb). WWPS follows RCW 28A.210.410 which sets the threshold to take action on drinking water fixtures that test over five parts per billion (ppb). It is important to note that these action levels are not a measure of health effects but are signals to take steps to reduce the amount of lead in drinking the water.

Lead may get into drinking water in two ways:

1. By being present in the source water, such as coming from contaminated runoff
   or
2. Through an interaction between the water and plumbing materials.

Public water systems that provide water to schools and homes in our area meet strict guidelines for testing their water sources and meet federal and state public health standards for lead. Some lead may get into the water from the distribution system – the network of pipes that carry the water from the public water system source to homes, businesses, and schools in the community. Interior plumbing, soldered joints, leaded brass fittings, and drinking water fixtures that contain lead materials are the primary contributors of lead in drinking water.

A sample of water is taken and tested by a certified laboratory. Tests are conducted on a prioritized sample basis, which includes collecting samples from drinking water fixtures which are classified as drinking fountains, water bottle filling stations, classroom bubblers, and food prep fixture and sprayers. Laboratory analysis test results indicate any levels of lead found in the water sample which are stated in parts per billion (ppb).

Testing protocols are developed to help determine the source of lead. Identifying the source of lead allows appropriate steps to be taken to reduce any elevated lead levels. These tests confirm if lead is coming from:

• The public water sources. This testing is conducted by the public water providers.
• The public water source distribution system. This requires water sampling at the point of entry from the street to the school or residence. Due to its cost, this testing is generally only conducted if other testing below fails to identify sources of lead.
• The internal building plumbing piping. Testing for sources of lead in internal building piping is done through what is called a “flush” sample which is collected after water has run for 30 seconds. This sampling approach is designed to analyze the lead content in the water in the plumbing behind the walls.
• The supply lines, fixtures, faucets and fountains. Testing for lead from these sources is done by a “first draw” sample which pulls a stagnant water sample before any flushing or use occurs and after water has remained stagnant between eight and 18 hours in an outlet or fixture.

Depending on the source of lead, different steps are taken to reduce lead levels. The district works with a certified industrial hygienist who recommends the appropriate remedial actions if elevated levels of lead are found. Generally, lead in plumbing fixtures outside the building walls may be addressed by flushing supply lines, cleaning particles, which can build up in faucet aerators, or replacing fixtures and/or supply lines. Addressing sources of elevated lead coming from internal building piping is more difficult. It may require adding filter systems or replacing or lining interior plumbing.

After corrective measures are taken to reduce lead, a follow-up water sample is collected and tested. If test results continue to be above the action level, additional remedial steps are taken and retesting is done until the levels are no longer elevated.

School water is not the only potential exposure to lead for staff and students. Lead may also be in drinking water at home. Here’s what the Washington State Department of Health recommends:

• If you live in older housing built before the mid-1940s, it is recommended that you run your tap at least two minutes after water has sat in the pipes for six hours or more. This will help flush out any lead that may have accumulated in your pipes.
• If you live in newer housing and are concerned about lead, you can flush your pipes by running your tap until the water is noticeably cooler.
• Use only cold water for drinking, cooking, and making baby formula. Hot water may contain higher levels of lead.
• Clean the screens and aerators in faucets frequently to remove captured lead particles.
• Use only “lead free” piping and materials for plumbing when building or remodeling.

Please visit the Washington State Department of Health web page on lead frequently asked questions and resources and the Environmental Protection Agency's web page on lead in drinking water.