By Lea Kahn, Staff Writer
WEST WINDSOR — School district officials are trying to track down the source of lead that has led to elevated levels of lead in faucets and drinking water fountains in several classrooms at the Maurice Hawk Elementary School, according to Superintendent of Schools David Aderhold.
The school district was initially notified of the presence of elevated levels of lead in the fountains and faucets last month, Mr. Aderhold said. The district’s environmental consultant, PARS Environmental, Inc., tested water in all of the schools during spring recess.
Five schools had lead concentrations of more than 15 parts per billion in the water samples — the threshold amount that health officials consider harmful. Drinking water fountains and faucets were turned off in the affected areas, pending re-testing.
Those fountains and faucets have been re-tested, and only the Maurice Hawk Elementary School continues to have drinking water fountains or faucets that show lead concentrations that exceed 15 parts per billion.
The drinking water bubbler in Room 165 at the Maurice Hawk Elementary School exceeded the standard of 15 parts per billion on its second re-test. Now, following the third round of testing at the elementary school on April 30, PARS Environmental, Inc. reported that the bubbler in that classroom still exceeds the standard.
The consultant expanded its April 30 sampling to rooms near Room 165, and found that drinking water fountains in rooms 164, 166, 167 and 170 also exceed the standard of 15 parts per billion. Drinking water fountains in those classrooms — as well as Room 165 — have been turned off.
In its report to school district officials, the consultant recommended that an alternative drinking water source should be provided to students and staff who use the five affected classrooms. It also recommended using the sinks for hand washing only, and to let the water run for at least 30 seconds before using it.
A permanent remedy (replacement, filtration etc.) should be implemented for the water sources located, according to PARS Environmental, Inc.’s report on the Maurice Hawk Elementary School. The consultant also recommended periodic flushing of the water taps and continued testing.
“We are working with PARS Environmental, Inc., and the district’s Buildings and Grounds Department to find a solution. The health and safety of our students and staff is our greatest priority,” Mr. Aderhold wrote in a letter posted May 6 on the school district’s website.
PARS Environmental, Inc.’s report on the 10 school buildings is available on the school district’s web site at www.west-windsor-plainsboro.k12.nj.us
