5 Out of 227 Samples From Holmdel Schools Show Elevated Lead Levels

HOLMDEL, NJ - In February and March of this year, the Holmdel board of education tested the water supply at each of its four schools, and five out of the 227 results came back with elevated levels of lead, announced Holmdel superintendent Dr. Robert McGarry.

Satz, Indian Hill and the high school were all affected, said Dr. McGarry. All water samples at the Village School, however, were below actionable levels. Those five sites showed test results higher than 15 µg/l (parts per billion, the level determined "safe" or "actionable" by the Environmental Protection Agency. They are:

• Indian Hill School: 1. The water fountain at the nurse's office was 16.4 µg/l Water turned off; fountain to be replaced and retested
• William R. Satz School: 2. Water sample taken from the sink/food service in the kitchen was 30.2 µg/l Water turned off and sign posted “DO NOT DRINK-SAFE FOR HAND WASHING ONLY” Faucet to be replaced and retested.
• 3. Water sample taken from the sink/food service in the kitchen) 34.9 µg/l Water turned off and sign posted “DO NOT DRINK-SAFE FOR HAND WASHING ONLY” Faucet to be replaced and retested.
• Holmdel High School: 4. Water sample taken from the sink in the culinary arts room was 21.4 µg/l Water turned off and sign posted “DO NOT DRINK-SAFE FOR HAND WASHING ONLY” Faucet to be replaced and retested.
• 5. Water sample taken from the cappuccino maker in the cafeteria. 131 µg/l Water turned off, plumbing to machine to be replaced and retested.

Lead in drinking water is a concern, especially for young children, because it can limit brain growth. Lead often leeches into drinking water due to corrosive decay over time in pipes and building plumbing. Lead is most dangerous for pregnant women, infants and children under 6 years of age, where it can lead to low birth weight, developmental delays in infants and lower IQ levels and reduced attention span in young children.

"Of the 227 samples taken, all but five tested below the lead action level established by the EPA," said Dr. McGarry. "Of the five outlets in particular, our district physician, Dr. Alan Cabass, said he thought that in almost every case the exposure would be negligible, as it was not students' or staff members' primary source of water intake."

"Use of all five of these was immediately discontinued and the outlets are in the process of being replaced and retested," he added.

The water samples were taken Feb. 20, with a second set of samples taken on March 12. Results were verified on March 22 and the results made public to school parents via a letter sent on March 23, as is required by law. You can read his letter to parents here.

Lead testing is a new requirement by the state of New Jersey. Last July, the state ruled that all local boards of education are now required to conduct lead sampling in all drinking water outlets. Lead testing was something Holmdel already routinely did in its schools, Dr. McGarry said.