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Updated information on FCUSD school water testing
Updated May 3, 2016
As some of our families may be aware, the District earlier this school year discovered elevated levels of certain metals, including copper, iron, and lead, in the tap water in a classroom at the Cordova Lane Center, a Rancho Cordova site that houses some preschool, special education and family engagement services.
Upon learning of the problem, the District began delivering bottled water and advised students and staff to stop drinking tap water. We have since completed repairs to aging water lines serving that campus and re-tested the tap water using state environmental management guidelines. Those test results indicate the tap water is now safe to resume drinking in the site’s classrooms.
In the meantime, out of an abundance of caution, we have tested all FCUSD schools that were built before 1960 and have galvanized steel pipes (for a full list of those schools and results, please scroll down).
These questions and answers are intended to help clarify questions our families and staff may have as we continue working together to ensure our facilities are providing safe drinking water to our sites.
Is the water at my school safe?
The water agencies that service all of our schools have not detected lead in their annual water quality reports. Additionally - based on our independent testing at eight school sites, and our knowledge of the age and types of plumbing used at our sites - here is what we know so far:
These additional sites have been tested, and NO lead was detected at these schools:
Is the water at my school safe?
The water agencies that service all of our schools have not detected lead in their annual water quality reports. Additionally - based on our independent testing at eight school sites, and our knowledge of the age and types of plumbing used at our sites - here is what we know so far:
These additional sites have been tested, and NO lead was detected at these schools:
- Blanche Sprentz Elementary
- Cordova Gardens Elementary
- Mills Middle School: Note: One sample we collected contained a high level of iron, but health officials do not consider that a hazard.
- Rancho Cordova Elementary
- Walnutwood High School (note: while not constructed pre-1960, this site was tested as a precaution due to the site's Adolescent Parent Program)
This site has been tested and will require further remediation:
- Theodore Judah Elementary: While no lead was detected elsewhere in the school, a small detection of lead - far below the federal maximum set by the Environmental Protection Agency - was found in one sample in the multipurpose room kitchen. The Folsom Cordova Maintenance and Operations Department is prohibiting staff, students and families from consuming tap water in this building as it conducts additional water quality analysis. Although water is safe for hand-washing and cleaning, the water will not be used for preparing food until further remediation efforts and testing can be conducted.
- Mather Heights Elementary: While no lead was detected elsewhere in the school, one sample did detect lead - just under the federal maximum set by the Environmental Protection Agency - in our multipurpose room kitchen. The Folsom Cordova Maintenance and Operations Department is prohibiting staff, students and families from consuming tap water in this building as it conducts additional water quality analysis. Although according to county health officials this water is safe for hand-washing and cleaning, this water will not be used for preparing food until further remediation efforts and testing can be conducted.
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Sutter Middle School: While no lead was detected elsewhere in the school, one sample did detect a small reading of lead - far below the federal maximum set by the Environmental Protection Agency - in a sink in the nurse’s office in our administration building. The Folsom Cordova Maintenance and Operations Department is prohibiting staff, students and families from consuming tap water in this building as it conducts additional water quality analysis. Although according to county health officials this water is safe for hand-washing and cleaning, this water will not be used until further remediation efforts and testing can be conducted. Students needing to take regulated medication in the nurse’s office will be provided bottled water until further notice.
Will the District continue to test sites?
Although there are no regulations that require public schools to independently test its drinking water, we are developing a plan to continue periodic testing each year at a sample of school sites throughout the District to ensure we are continuing to provide safe drinking water to our students and staff. If at any time in the future we discover contamination, we will notify families and staff and begin appropriate remediation work.
How did the District discover the problem at Cordova Lane?
Earlier this school year, a staff member reported discolored water coming out of the tap in a classroom. The District sought independent tests, which revealed elevated levels of certain metals, including copper, iron, and lead. Based on test results, it appears elevated metals were only present intermittently, typically on Monday mornings when water lines had been idle over the weekend. Still, out of an abundance of caution, all staff and students at Cordova Lane Center were prohibited from drinking tap water until repairs on water lines were completed and subsequent tests were conducted.
Earlier this school year, a staff member reported discolored water coming out of the tap in a classroom. The District sought independent tests, which revealed elevated levels of certain metals, including copper, iron, and lead. Based on test results, it appears elevated metals were only present intermittently, typically on Monday mornings when water lines had been idle over the weekend. Still, out of an abundance of caution, all staff and students at Cordova Lane Center were prohibited from drinking tap water until repairs on water lines were completed and subsequent tests were conducted.
What caused the problem at Cordova Lane?
Cordova Lane Center was built in phases over the course of several years. Some aging water lines were built using galvanized steel and, not unlike in an older home, could present a discoloration or higher level of metals when the water is not turned on regularly.
Cordova Lane Center was built in phases over the course of several years. Some aging water lines were built using galvanized steel and, not unlike in an older home, could present a discoloration or higher level of metals when the water is not turned on regularly.
Is the problem fixed at Cordova Lane?
Post-repair test results show no signs of any elevated metals in the water, including lead, in classrooms being used by students. After consulting with county health and environmental safety officials, we believe our site’s tap water is safe to resume drinking in those rooms. Important note: As communicated to Cordova Lane staff previously, it has been and remains safe for students and staff to use the restroom and wash their hands. Metals cannot enter the bloodstream through contact with skin. Note: Water access has been shut off in Room 18, which is currently used for storage and tested positive for lead. Water will not be turned back on until further remediation and testing can take place.
Are students, staff, and families at risk?
We have not received any reports from students or staff of any symptoms or sickness typically associated with such irregularities in the drinking water. Generally, health concerns most often are an issue when a person has consumed contaminated water over a long period of time.
We encourage any family member with health concerns to contact their physician and/or their pediatrician. (If you need assistance finding a pediatrician or need insurance for your child, you may contact the Child Health and Disability Prevention Program at (916) 875-7151.)
If you have any other questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to contact your school, or the District's Office of Communication and Community Engagement, at (916) 294-9000 ext. 104530.
Post-repair test results show no signs of any elevated metals in the water, including lead, in classrooms being used by students. After consulting with county health and environmental safety officials, we believe our site’s tap water is safe to resume drinking in those rooms. Important note: As communicated to Cordova Lane staff previously, it has been and remains safe for students and staff to use the restroom and wash their hands. Metals cannot enter the bloodstream through contact with skin. Note: Water access has been shut off in Room 18, which is currently used for storage and tested positive for lead. Water will not be turned back on until further remediation and testing can take place.
Are students, staff, and families at risk?
We have not received any reports from students or staff of any symptoms or sickness typically associated with such irregularities in the drinking water. Generally, health concerns most often are an issue when a person has consumed contaminated water over a long period of time.
We encourage any family member with health concerns to contact their physician and/or their pediatrician. (If you need assistance finding a pediatrician or need insurance for your child, you may contact the Child Health and Disability Prevention Program at (916) 875-7151.)
If you have any other questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to contact your school, or the District's Office of Communication and Community Engagement, at (916) 294-9000 ext. 104530.