52 Water Fixtures in Wilmington Public Schools Above Lead 'Action Level'

WILMINGTON, MA — The testing of over 240 water fixtures in Wilmington Public School buildings has come to a close, and the town has discovered that 52 fixtures have tested for lead levels above the "action level" of 15 parts per billion, according to a Town announcement.

The Town conducted tests of water fountains and faucets in classrooms, bathrooms and other locations beginning in May. Fixtures with lead levels above the "action level" were located in the Boutwell, North Intermediate, Shawsheen, West Intermediate, Wildwood, and Woburn Street Schools.

"The Public Buildings Department is working with the School Department to review the final results of the extensive testing," the Town's announcement read. "The School Department is identifying which fixtures are to be replaced, removed, or posted “for hand washing only”. Water has been shut off to the fixtures at or above the action level as a precaution while the corrective action plan is being implemented."

The Town also added that the number of fixtures (52) includes the number of fixtures previously announced by the Town.

On June 8, the Town announced that four water sources at West Intermediate, Boutwell and Shawsheen schools showed elevated lead levels. June's announcement indicated that the four water sources had lead levels slightly above the state's action level.

Testing announced on July 29 revealed that 23 fixtures at West Intermediate, Shawsheen and Boutwell showed levels above 15 parts per billion.

"We are going above and beyond to make sure that any water source with elevated lead levels is replaced," Superintendent Mary DeLai told Patch during a previous interview." I am thankful to the town and the Department of Public Buildings that they have taken this pro-active approach."