Earlier this year Mayor Jeremy Stutsman and the Goshen Water Utility committed to a testing program to make sure the drinking water lead levels in local schools is safe for both children and staff. Water with high lead levels can contribute to a number of adverse health effects, particularly in young children.
Today Mayor Jeremy Stutsman announced that Goshen Water Superintendent Kent Holdren approached both Bethany Christian Schools and Goshen Community Schools in May with an offer to collect and test water samples from all school buildings. The study tested water samples from 619 sites to determine if lead levels exceeded federal standards for schools. This lab testing has identified areas of remediation to meet Federal guidelines.
In announcing the results of the testing, Mayor Stutsman stated, “We are pleased that the testing program found out of the 251 drinking water fountains tested, only one was identified of having slightly elevated lead levels and was immediately removed from service. As Mayor, and especially as a father, it is reassuring to know that our schools in Goshen are in compliance with federal guidelines. I am grateful for the participation of everyone involved in this testing. It was no small task”.
The primary focus of the study was on drinking water fountains. “Parents want to know that the water their children are drinking at school is safe. Based on the actions taken from our testing program, we can assure them that their children are not exposed to elevated lead levels”, said Water Superintendent Holdren.
In addition to testing drinking water fountains, the study included 368 other water outlets that are not normally used for drinking water; such as bathroom and science lab sinks. Out of the 368 sample sites that are not used for drinking water forty-six were found to have lead levels which exceeded federal standards for drinking water. Both school corporations are now in the process of replacing all non-drinking water faucets, as needed, to meet lead standards for drinking water.
The Environmental Protection Agency strongly recommends that drinking water in schools does not exceed a lead concentration that exceeds 20 parts per billion (ppb). After consultation with the Indiana Department of Environmental Management, the standard selected for this study was a more stringent 15 ppb. This is the same standard used for residential drinking water.
Complete results of the school testing program can be found on the City website at goshenindiana.org/lead-tests-and-schools. Copies are also available at the Mayor’s Office, 202 S. Fifth St., and at the Goshen Utilities Billing Office, 203 S. Fifth St. Questions may be directed to Kent Holdren, Water Superintendent, at 534-5306 or kentholdren@goshencity.com.