Lead Testing
Lead Testing Information for Families & Community
In 2016, Westminster Public Schools (WPS), proactively launched a massive effort to test water fixtures in all schools.
During initial testing, WPS focused primarily on drinking fountains, preschool classrooms and random classrooms throughout the District. WPS also established strict procedures for additional testing if any fixtures exceeded the action threshold.
The Federal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) action threshold was, and still is, 15 parts per billion (ppm). WPS modeled its Lead In Water (LIW) Sampling Project in accordance with the EPA threshold. A good way to visualize 1 ppb in water is to think of it as one drop in one billion drops of water.
In 2019 and 2021, samples were tested again at WPS schools. The overwhelming majority of samples came back below the 15 ppb threshold following the first test in 2016 and required no further action. The remaining fixtures were removed or replaced and tested again to ensure acceptable levels were present.
In June 2022, Governor Polis signed into law Colorado House Bill 22-1358: Clean Water in Schools and Child Care Centers. This bill requires all licensed childcare programs and eligible schools to test their drinking water for lead and take action when results are found above an action level of 5 parts per billion (ppb). This threshold is 10 ppb stricter and lower than the current Federal EPA standard of 15 ppb used by water districts, residential, and commercial construction. The goal of this law is to lower children’s exposure to lead. To meet these requirements, WPS has tested all drinking water fixtures for lead where children and staff get water for drinking and cooking.
The following is additional information from the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) regarding House Bill 22-1358:
- Lead is a toxic heavy metal that is especially harmful to young children. The degree of risk depends on the child’s total exposure to lead from all sources in the environment – air, soil, dust, food, paint, consumer products, and water. Old or corroded lead plumbing or old brass fixtures can contribute to increased lead levels in drinking water. If you are concerned about your child’s exposure, you can have their blood tested. Please contact your health provider to learn more about blood lead testing, or for more information please visit: https://cdphe.colorado.gov/lead-testing.
- Schools that have lead results in drinking water above 5 parts per billion (ppb) must take action to reduce exposure to lead. When lead is found at or above 5 ppb, the fixture is shut off while a more long-term solution is underway. Long-term solutions may include permanently removing the fixtures from service, replacing drinking water faucets and fountains, or installing filters.
Please click on the link below and select a school to view the most recent water test results for that building.
Darren Trujillo
Safety/Environmental Coordinator
Email
Phone: 720-542-5154
Fax: 303-650-3012