Your responses to the self-assessment indicate the general risk for lead contamination in your school drinking water is low. You did not identify obvious signs that suggest highly-corrosive water. However, the only way to be certain lead is not a problem in your building is to do some testing.

This initial sampling protocol for high traffic outlets is based on the following assumptions:

1. Water samples taken from high traffic areas of a school will reflect the most likely fountains, coolers, bubblers, and faucets used for cooking or drinking (particularly those used by the youngest students).
2. Not all faucets, fountains, taps and outlets where water might be obtained need to be sampled. A representative subset is sufficient to assess general lead contamination risk.
3. If test results from these high traffic areas indicate there are outlets with results over 20 parts per billion (0.020 mg/L), additional locations will be considered and the sampling plan modified accordingly.
4. Initial sample sites with results over 0.020 mg/l for lead will be re-sampled.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends sampling every tap that could be used for drinking water or cooking, and that any tap with results over 0.020 mg/l for lead be retested. EPA’s guidance on developing a sampling plan and how to collect samples from various types of outlets is in 3Ts for Reducing Lead in Drinking Water in Schools: Revised Technical Guidance. (See Resources below).

Testing is the only way to determine if a tap exceeds EPA’s recommended level for lead. The difference between EPA’s recommendations and this sampling protocol is the number of sample sites selected. You will not be sampling all possible sites.

It is critical that your sampling plan follows EPA’s guidance. It should identify possible sample sites and a way to select actual sample sites based on the traffic and use patterns at your school.

For example, if you identify 20 high traffic fountains and faucets, focus on the most obvious sources of drinking water for young children and include at least one site used for food preparation. You may decide to sample only 10 of the original 20. If any of the initial samples contain lead over 0.020 mg/L however, consider sampling additional locations where drinking water can be obtained.

As you develop your sampling plan, evaluate the need to test for other compounds. The self-assessment focuses on lead because it poses the highest risk for young children. However, other compounds could cause water quality issues at your school.

If the answer to any question is yes, your water may contain other corrosion-related compounds. You should consider expanding the list of test compounds at some of the sample sites to include cadmium, copper, iron or manganese.

You have completed the self-assessment.

3Ts for Reducing Lead in Drinking Water in Schools: Revised Technical Guidance (816-B-05-008) -- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, December 2005. EPA developed the 3Ts (Training, Testing and Telling) to help schools implement simple strategies for managing the health risks of lead in schools and drinking water. It is on EPA's Web Site.

Testing for lead in school drinking water systems (PDF 811KB), DOH PUB #331-261) -- A step-by-step brochure to help you collect initial and follow-up samples based on EPA's guidance is on the Office of Drinking Water Web site.

EPA's Web site has one-stop source of information on drinking water quality in schools and childcare facilities.  It includes technical guidance and tools, information on laws and rules, and the health effects of  lead exposure.

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For more information, call Derrick Dennis, Lead and Copper Program Manager, at (360) 236-3122 or e-mail Derrick Dennis.

April 2006

DOH PUB. #331-284