Water Faucet

In the Spring of 2016, random water samples were tested for lead content throughout Blaine School District, with an emphasis on kitchen area faucets, stand alone drinking fountains and fixtures at the end of water lines. At that time, all samples collected were found to be well below the EPA threshold (upper limit) of 20ppb (parts per billion). In 2018, the Washington State Department of Health offered to assist school districts with a more extensive level of testing, ultimately seeking to provide analysis of a more extensive number of fixtures. Blaine School District is continuing to work with the State Health Department on voluntary water quality testing in our schools. 

Earlier in 2018, testing at Blaine Elementary School confirmed that water in bubbler fountains was well within EPA guidelines. Two sink faucets tested just at the EPA's threshold of 20ppb for lead content and were immediately replaced, as well as eight other sink faucets which tested above 10ppb and below 20ppb. 

Water samples have now also been tested at Blaine Primary School. There were no results that reached the 20ppb threshold which triggers, by State Health Department guidelines, the recommendation for immediate replacement of the corresponding fixture. Nine faucets tested below 20ppb, but above 10ppb. While the State Health Department offers a range of options for these fixtures, the District has ordered and will replace them, consistent with the protocol followed at the Elementary School in the Spring. It should be noted that these fixtures are not in the area of the building being used for the Primary School's summer program. Once the school year is underway, they will be flushed daily, as per Health Department Guidelines, until they have been replaced.

The State Health Department anticipates conducting the next round of comprehensive water fixture testing at Blaine Middle School in September. When random testing was done in the Middle School in 2016, there was no evidence of lead content at or near the EPA threshold of 20ppb. Additional detail provided to parents in April 2018 can be accessed by clicking here. We remain committed to ensuring that students have access to safe drinking water in our schools.