DeKalb issues lead-in-water testing results for four schools

Testing is still under way for lead in water at DeKalb County public schools. Testing began in September with the oldest schools first. The process is expected to end by summer 2017.

 The school district released these results today (Oct. 18):

• Briar Lake ES (1957) – Of the 23 drinking water sources tested, none are at or above EPA’s action level of 15 parts per billion.
• International Student Center (1958) – Of the 38 drinking water sources tested, one source is at or above EPA’s action level of 15 parts per billion. The source is a drinking fountain. The source was immediately removed from service and remediation begun. Following remediation, the source will be re-tested before returning to service.
• Former Terry Mill ES (temporarily Barack H. Obama ES) (1958) – Of the 29 drinking water sources tested, one source is at or above EPA’s action level of 15 parts per billion. The source is a drinking fountain. The source was immediately removed from service and remediation begun. Following remediation, the source will be re-tested before returning to service.
• McClendon ES (1958) – Of the 25 drinking water sources tested, none are at or above EPA’s action level of 15 parts per billion.

Overall status of testing:

• A total of 423 sources in 16 schools have been tested. Of those tested, 22 sources, or 5.2 percent tested, have tested at or above EPA action level.

“We continue to make progress in testing for lead in drinking water and are encouraged that a small number and proportion of sources tested above EPA action level,” said Superintendent Dr. R. Stephen Green. “The health and safety of our students and employees are our most important priorities.”