LEAD TESTING
November 10, 2023
Dear Parents, Guardians, and Staff:
The Hurley R-I School District would like to provide an update on our efforts to reduce potential exposure to lead from school drinking water by taking steps that include testing for lead in drinking water in our school and sharing the sampling results. Our school is part of a state-required program to reduce potential exposure to lead in drinking water.
Lead is a toxic metal. When children and others are exposed to lead it can have adverse health effects. “Exposure” to lead in drinking water means that children or staff consume water that contains lead through drinking or food preparation. There is no safe level of lead exposure which is why we are working to identify potential sources of exposure and are communicating actions that can be taken to both reduce lead and protect children and staff.
As part of Missouri state statute, the Hurley R-I School District developed a plan to test for lead in all of our drinking water fountains where students and staff get water for drinking, cooking, and other outlets. The state-determined lead remediation level in drinking water samples is 5 ppb. When a lead sample is detected at or above this level, we take immediate steps to address the source of lead to protect children and staff. Please note ND in the results report represents levels not detected.
The sampling results of our program and our next steps are as follows:
- On August 16, 2023, we tested 68 fixtures throughout our school district. This included the hallway and classroom drinking water fountains, bathroom sinks, drinking water fountains in the gym and recreational fields, classroom and Science lab sinks, locker room sinks and showers, and all kitchen faucets.
- Sample results show lead was detected at/above the remediation level in six fixtures. No lead was detected in 39 fixtures. For the remaining 29 fixtures, lead was detected below 5 ppb in 23 fixtures and six fixtures were above the 5 ppb threshold. None of the failed tests were from drinking fountains or food prep sinks.
- In response to the sampling results, we are taking immediate action on the six fixtures that showed lead levels at/above the program remediation level of 5 ppb. These fixtures have been removed from service, while more permanent measures are underway.
- For the 23 fixtures where lead was detected below the remediation level, we are retesting the fixtures, implementing routine flushing protocols, and/or removing the fixtures from service to further minimize potential exposure.
You can view the detailed sample results and remediation plans on our school district website. Protecting the health and well-being of your child(ren) and our staff is our top priority and we are committed to keeping you informed every step of the way as we implement our program at Hurley R-I School District. A copy of this notice and the full report may be found at GET THE LEAD OUT TESTING RESULTS.
Sincerely,
Dr. Allison Pope, Superintendent of Schools