Lead Tests and Schools

Mayor Stutsman Announces Proactive Water Lead Testing in Schools

Early 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 children and staff. Water with high lead levels can contribute to a number of adverse health effects, particularly in young children.

Mayor Jeremy Stutsman announced today that recent lab testing of drinking water in Goshen Schools have identified areas of remediation to meet Federal guidelines. In May, Water Superintendent Kent Holdren with Goshen Water Utilities approached both Goshen Community Schools and Bethany Christian Schools and offered 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.

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 http://goshenindiana.org/lead-tests-and-schools Copies are also available in the Mayor’s Office at 202 S. Fifth Street and at the Goshen Utilities Billing Office at 203 S Fifth Street.  Questions should be directed to Kent Holdren, Water Superintendent, at 574-534-5306 or kentholdren@goshencity.com.

Goshen Community Schools Test Results

Bethany Christian Schools Test Results

The Goshen Water Utility used the 3TS Guideline for testing lead in schools which was supplied by the EPA and I.D.E.M. if you would like more information please follow link. (100 PAGE) DOCUMENT.

Also For our water customers we have added this link http://www.in.gov/isdh/22452.htm which will take you to the Indiana State Department of Helth website so you can get lead testing information on testing for your home. They have a list of certified labs near you that will test your water for a fee.