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Water Quality Testing

 Water Quality Testing Information Robert Lince ELC

 

Water Quality in School Drinking Water

The safety and health of students and staff is our top priority in Selah Public Schools. On December 21st of 2022, we had the water at our Robert Lince Early Learning Center tested for Lead and Copper as part of a Federal Grant the School District is applying for.

Guidelines for water quality testing

The Selah School District follows information and guidance from the Federal Environmental Protection Agency and the Washington State department of Health for lead copper testing.

Testing drinking water for lead and copper is a two-stepped process that starts with a sample test for lead and copper accumulation in stagnant water. If a sample test shows levels of lead or copper levels above the action level 15 micrograms per liter (ug/L) for lead or 1,300 micrograms per ug/L for copper, those fixtures are immediately shut off and undergo a follow-up test. The water supply will remain shut off until the problem is resolved. The Selah School District will also take any fixture between 10-20 micrograms per liter under the action level requirement, immediately replace, condition, and retest the fixture assuring that what we achieve the lowest ug/L.

 

Testing Results Robert Lince Early Learning Center

The test conducted at the Robert Lince Early Learning Center was conducted by Fulcrum Environmental was comprehensive and included testing of 26 drinking or hand wash station sinks and fountains. Of those fixtures only seven had elevated microgram per (ug/L) and only three fixtures had level above the action level 15 ug/L and one had elevated action level for copper 1300 (ug/L). Following the guidelines of our Health Department  all seven fixtures will be replaced , conditioned and retested by Fulcrum Environmental. Once a new fixture gets below the action level of 15 (ug/L) lead or 1300 (ug/L) copper they will be ;put back into service. We have also implemented regular flushing and aerator cleaning for all fixtures weekly. Bottled water will be provided for staff and students during this time. It is important to note that it is the belief of the Health Department and the Selah School District that the lead levels are the direct result of the fixtures and not the water source.