Good afternoon, WCPS Families & Staff --
We are providing a further update following the initial water testing for lead in all Washington County Public Schools’ buildings. That information was shared on November 7. On October 26, 2024, new regulations approved by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) required water that is used in schools be tested for lead by 2028. To be ahead of that timeline, the Washington County Service Authority tested five fixtures at every school (at least two fixtures in the kitchens and two or more water fountains in various locations throughout the school building).
There are three possible results from testing:
Non-detect: Practice good water habits
Less than 10 parts per billion (ppb): Consider risk mitigation such as flushing before use
Greater than 10 parts per billion (ppb): Stop using the water source and take remediation steps
The first test results we received in November found that four of our schools had at least one fixture that tested less than 10 ppb (Meadowview Elementary – two fixtures, Watauga Elementary – one fixture, Glade Spring Middle School – one fixture, and Holston High School – two fixtures). One school had two fixtures that tested above 10 ppb (Greendale Elementary). After we received those results, we took additional precautions at those schools immediately. Only fixtures that tested non-detect are available for cooking purposes at these schools – this is above and beyond the protocols recommended by the EPA.
We also immediately discontinued the use of consumable water fixtures at those five schools (e.g. drinking fountains) the moment we received the initial testing results. Since that time, we have been providing bottled water for students and staff. We also took additional steps and installed a new water cooler at all schools in our division. These water coolers are equipped with five different filters that are designed to remove lead and other impurities.
As an additional safeguard, we began the process of testing all fixtures at Meadowview Elementary School and Watauga Elementary School. That testing is now complete with test results showing 134 fixtures tested non-detect at Meadowview Elementary, 15 fixtures tested less than 10 ppb, and 3 fixtures tested more than 10 ppb. A further breakdown shows out of that significant number of fixtures in Meadowview, 6 of the 18 positives were drinking fountains, with two being above 10 parts per billion. Those impacted drinking fountains include Room 7 outside drinking fountain, Room 16 outside drinking fountain, Room 2 water fountain, and Room 2 drinking fountain on the left side.
At Watauga Elementary School, 121 fixtures tested non-detect, 10 fixtures tested less than 10 ppb, and two fixtures tested more than 10 ppb. A further breakdown of those results shows two drinking fountains – Mrs. Kiser’s drinking fountain and Mrs. Meade’s drinking fountain saw elevated readings.
Our next steps are to determine and troubleshoot whether the elevated testing numbers are due to the fixture itself, or it is a result of the plumbing in the walls. Those fixtures will remain off until further notice. It is possible that sinks that are no longer used or needed will be removed from future service. We have been given clearance to use all points of contact that have returned “non-detect” results.
Testing has now been completed at all five schools that saw elevated readings (Greendale Elementary, Meadowview Elementary, Watauga Elementary, Glade Spring Middle School, and Holston High School). Now that testing is finished at those schools, we will conduct more testing at the remaining 11 schools in our division.
At the same time, we will continue to work with the Washington County Service Authority and the Office of Drinking water to ensure we are taking all needed steps to keep our students and staff safe. We will also continue to stay in contact with the local Health Department. The new testing results for Meadowview Elementary, Watauga Elementary, Greendale Elementary, Glade Spring Middle School, and Holston High School, as well as additional information, which includes an FAQ, and a helpful flyer, can be found at this link on our website: https://washingtoncountypsva.sites.thrillshare.com/documents/washington-county-service-authority-information/722977
If you have any questions or concerns, we will continue to work with the agencies referenced above to share the latest information and provide the safest possible environment for our students and staff.
Thank you,
Keith Perrigan, Ed.D.
Superintendent
Washington County Public Schools
812 Thompson Dr.
Abingdon, VA 24210
276-739-3000
@WashCoSuper
“Committed to the Success of Every Student“