Public Notice: School Lead Water Sample Results
Information concerning the lead level results for drinking water samples taken at
Searsport Elementary, Searsport Middle and Searsport High School
Maine law requires schools to test all drinking water faucets that could be used for drinking or cooking purposes for the presence of lead. This law further requires that parents and staff are made aware of all of the sample results.
During the period of 22 April 2022 to 22 April 2022
Water samples were collected from
Searsport Elementary, Searsport Middle and Searsport High School
water fixtures
Any sites producing elevated levels of lead (exceeding 4 parts per billion, or ppb), and therefore the faucets of most concern, are listed in the table on the following page(s).
Results for all drinking water outlets tested can be viewed here:
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- In each school building
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Statewide test results for Maine schools can also be found on the Maine DWP website at:
How does lead get into the water? When lead is present in water, it typically leaches, or dissolves, into water flowing through plumbing and fixtures inside a building from sources such as solder, pipes, or the faucets themselves. The school's well water or water provided by your local water district are unlikely sources of lead.
What are the Health Effects of exposure to lead in drinking water? Infants and children who drink water containing high levels of lead can experience delays in their physical or mental development. Children could show slight deficits in attention span and learning abilities. Adults who drink water containing excess levels of lead over many years could develop kidney problems or high blood pressure.
What level of lead is safe? No level of lead is safe. Because of the potential serious health risks, both the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) agree that there is no known safe level of lead in a child's blood.
Please be aware that this sampling is done under conditions that are optimal for identifying lead in water. By having the water sit unused for many hours, lead that might be leaching from pipes or fittings is more easily discovered. However, these levels are likely not the level of lead present in the drinking water throughout the school day.
What can I do? Here are a few steps you can take to reduce the risk of your child being exposed to lead through school drinking water:
- Provide your child with bottled water or water from your home to reduce their usage of school drinking water outlets. Be sure to sample your home water for lead, too.
- Remind your child to let the water run for 30 seconds before drinking or filling a water bottle at school, which will lower any possible lead concentration.
- Consult your doctor if you have any specific health concerns.
School Fixtures with Elevated Lead Results (exceeding 4 parts per billion)
*Additional tables may be attached if your school has more than 20 collection sites with elevated lead levels.
What is Being Done:
To correct the problem(s), we have taken these actions
- All faucets and fountains noted above have been covered and turned off
- Next sample phase collection kits have been ordered
- Testing of above locations will be conducted ( 30 plus second sample )
Future plans for the reduction of high lead levels in our drinking water include:
- Replacement of all fixtures noted above.
These actions are expected to be completed on:
- Completed during the summer school vacation - 21 June through 14 August.
Maine CDC Drinking Water Program • Testing for Lead in School Drinking Water • www.medwp.com/schools.html