In 2016, Creswell School District took precautionary steps to ensure safe water supplies, proactively choosing to test the water in all of our schools and facilities.
District staff took samples from all water faucets used for drinking or food preparation, and we recently received the results. Initial water sampling by district staff was conducted following the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) testing guidelines for sampling water in schools. The EPA recommends taking action to reduce lead at any water outlet that has a lead level above 20 parts per billion (ppb) using these sampling protocols. The District used a drinking water laboratory accredited by the Oregon Health Authority (OHA) to analyze water samples for lead.
District staff collected samples from 97 fixtures. Initial test results showed:
- Two (2) drinking fountains and one (1) sink faucet with elevated lead levels on the first draw of water left dormant overnight, and
- All remaining faucets and drinking fountains at normal levels.
Fixtures with elevated levels on first draw included:
- Creswell High School Metal Shop, Entryway Fountain,
- Creswell High School Science Supply Room Sink, and
- Creswell High School Main Gym, Upstairs Fountain.
Corrective Actions
District staff took corrective actions (i.e., replace the fixtures where elevated lead levels were identified), and retested the water to ensure it is safe for students and staff. This work was completed before school started that fall.
Creswell School District concluded corrective actions for the three (3) fixtures where elevated lead levels were identified during summer testing.
Fixtures with elevated levels on first draw, during summer testing, included:
- Creswell High School Metal Shop, Entryway Fountain,
- Creswell High School Science Supply Room Sink, and
- Creswell High School Main Gym, Upstairs Fountain.
The Science Supply Room Sink was determined to be nonessential by school and district staff. As a result of that determination, the District chose to decommission the sink and cap the water source. If that decision is reversed at a future time, the District will install new fixtures and collect a water sample for testing.
The Metal Shop, Entry Fountain and Main Gym, Upstairs Fountain received new fixtures. After the completion of repairs, follow-up water samples were collected according to the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) testing guidelines for sampling water in schools. Test results showed normal levels.
The District used a drinking water laboratory accredited by the Oregon Health Authority (OHA) to analyze water samples for lead.