PSD is working with the state health department to ensure drinking water is healthy or made safer for students and staff by testing it for lead and reducing levels if they are too high. This is being done through the state’s Test & Fix Water for Kids program, which stems from a new state law that went into effect in 2023. Currently, PSD is among 900 childcare programs and 870 schools enrolled in the program.
Translations: Español Testing Water | عربي Testing Water
The following are fast facts about PSD’s participation in the program:
- In January, PSD staff began sampling fixtures in the district’s preschool and elementary sites. Samples are being sent to the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) for testing. PSD must submit all PK-5 samples for testing by May 31.
- As of Feb. 14, PSD staff have sampled fixtures from 10 elementary schools and received test results from the state for three.
- CDPHE posts test results on its website as the agency makes them available. PSD does not know when results for each school tested will be released.
- As results are posted, PSD will communicate to staff and parents/guardians at the respective school. Communication will be sent whether all fixtures are deemed OK or if some are identified by the state as needing remediation.
- Remediation may include but isn’t limited to replacing fixtures, replacing piping, adding filters, etc.
- By law, PSD will send samples from fixtures in middle schools to CDPHE by the Nov. 30, 2024, deadline.
- PSD is going above and beyond the law by taking samples from all high schools and office buildings later in 2023. Samples will be sent to a state-certified laboratory and tested for lead and copper.
- The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) action level for lead in drinking water is 15 parts per billion. The State of Colorado has opted for a lower threshold of 5 ppb, and schools and childcare centers are being held to this higher standard under the new law.
PSD has additional information about the program and answers to frequently asked questions on the Water Lead Testing web page. If you have questions beyond those addressed on the site, you may email watertesting@psdschools.org.
The district’s priorities are literacy, mental health and belonging, graduation with options and safety. We know our students and staff need to feel emotionally and physically safe to learn and grow each day. PSD continues to strive to create environments in which that is possible.