Lead was found in the school’s water pipes around the school with the students and staff learning about it on Nov. 14. The lead in the pipes is an issue, as lead pipes cause lead to be in the water to be used for drinking or cleaning.
Since October of 2021, Washington state law requires that the K-12 public schools with plumbing put in before 2016 be tested for lead to make sure the lead isn’t too much. The pipes naturally accumulate lead over time, and accumulate even more in older and worn pipes. Testing makes sure that the pipes are still safe for use over the years, safe to drink, and safe to use for cleaning in the school.
The testing found eight sources of water where the lead levels are over 5 parts per billion, the minimum amount of lead allowed in the water. These pipes go as follows. Room 130’s faucet contained 34 parts per billion, room 131 had 29 parts per billion, room 219 had 10 parts per billion, along with room 133, with 10 parts per billion as well, room 133’s other faucet contained 9 parts per billion. Room 120 with 7 parts per billion, and the training room and room 134’s faucet both have 6 parts per billion.
These faucets have been turned off to prevent people from using them until future actions are taken. As stated by the Edmonds school district, the faucets with 15 and over will be replaced and handled first in compliance with DOH (The State Department of Health).
Although, the faucets with five parts or less are still in operation, staff ask that students proceed with caution using them as even in smaller doses it can still be a harm to the environment and to oneself. So it is still recommended to drink water from other sources that are not the school until further notice. Do not have this discourage you from using the working sinks to clean surfaces or wash your hand unless there is reason for concern.
Lead has been used for many centuries in paints, Dishware, makeup, food, and in this case, pipes. More recently, it has been found to cause neurological problems in people, especially affecting children and babies when ingested. In the 1900’s it was apparent to some that paint ingested by children was harmful, and they banned it in paints, with the ban getting more serious in the 1970s with pediatrician Herbert Needleman, who studied the link between lead and neurological development. causing changes in regulations and laws involving lead being instated.
If you are worried about lead, there isn’t that much cause for concern on its own, as lead in this dosage is highly unlikely to majorly change your lead percentage. Mainly, it is ages six and under who are the ones mainly affected by lead exposure. Although this does not mean you should be exposed to it in the first place, as it is still dangerous. If you are worried about exposure, you can talk to a healthcare provider to make sure the lead in your body isn’t too high. They can administer a blood test to check, as not everyone affected will ‘act’ sick, aka- asymptomatic.
The district recommends bringing your own water bottle to school every day to ensure students’ hydration and to prevent dehydration. As stated by the National Library of Public Medicine, a lack of water can decrease mental capabilities like memory and following directions, along with other declines in things like strength and overall health. If you are not able to bring a water bottle to school, you can reach out to the office to get help in obtaining one to use.
As of right now, pipes are shut off that are affected by lead and will be shut off until further notice until they are replaced and/or fixed.
