Elementary School Water Tests High For Lead
Friday, April 4, 2008 5:12 PM
DUBLIN, Ohio — 10 Investigates on Friday learned that drinking water from an elementary school tested positive for
elevated levels of lead.
Water samples from Davis Middle School and Olde Sawmill Elementary School were taken by
certified lab technician Gerry Ioannides, of Stantec, before students arrived for class, 10
Investigates' Paul Aker reported.
The testing came about a week after 10 Investigates exposed a problem with lead in other Ohio
schools.
Because of a loophole in the law, only districts that get water from a well system are
required to test for lead. Other districts that get water from a public supply - like Dublin and
Columbus City -- were encouraged to test, but additional testing was not required, Aker
reported.
Long-term exposure to elevated levels of lead can cause serious health problems, including
lowered IQs.
After showing up at Davis Middle School, Ioannides said that he did not expect to find high
levels of lead.
"I'll tell you, I'd be surprised if we find anything," Ioannides said.
Still, school administrators were concerned about possible contaminants - including
lead.
Lead often gets into a water supply after it leaves the treatment plant and flows through old
pipes.
Records obtained by 10 Investigates showed that a home near the middle school tested high for
lead a few years ago, Aker reported.
The home, which was located about a block away, was built about the same time as the
school.
10 Investigates shared its concern with the Dublin City School District, and the district paid
for immediate testing, Aker reported.
Ioannaides took a total of six samples. Some were from water fountains and a chemistry lab,
while another came from an elementary room sink.
Two days after samples were taken, the lab was ready to test.
A machine examined the water for tiny amounts of lead. If lead was found, the computer screen
spiked and lab technician Melody Clark examined the findings.
The very first test revealed what Clark called a "peak of lead," Aker reported.
The sample was taken from the elementary school's sink that also contained a water
fountain.
Under federal regulation, a water sample should contain no more than 15 parts per billion. The
lab test showed the sample to contain lead amounts of 46 parts per billion - more than three times
the acceptable amount, Aker reported.
District administrators said they initially thought the positive results came from a science
lab. 10 Investigates explained that the water actually came from the elementary school
classroom.
"I think if it's the drinking water, compared to water used in a science experiment, then
there is probably a difference," said Jeff Eble, Dublin City School Business Affairs
Director.
The district has now shut down the sink in the elementary school. Even so, the
district said it would retest to determine whether there was a flaw in the testing, Aker
reported.
Parents said they appreciated the proactive approach.
"I think it's great," said Scott Conner. "You know that they're going to take care of it
instead of waiting around."
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