Dear Staff and Families,
As part of our unwavering commitment to providing a safe and healthy environment for our students and staff, I want to share the results of recent water testing conducted by the Washington State Department of Health (DOH) across all our district buildings.
Background on Washington State’s Lead Testing Requirements
As of 2021, Washington state law (RCW 28A.210.410 and RCW 43.70.830) mandates lead testing in drinking water for all K–12 public schools built, or with plumbing replaced, before 2016. The purpose of this testing is to identify drinking water outlets that may be potential sources of lead exposure. It is natural for lead to accumulate in older or infrequently used outlets, and testing helps identify those outlets so they can be shut off or replaced, reducing exposure to lead in school drinking water.
Washington State is recognized for having some of the strictest water quality standards in the country. These requirements ensure that schools proactively address lead exposure risks, particularly in older facilities.
What Testing Revealed
Recent testing identified almost 70 fixtures across our district—primarily sink faucets and not drinking fountains—that were at or slightly above the state’s threshold of 5 parts per billion (ppb) for lead content. While these findings require remediation, it is important to note that no immediate health concerns have been reported, and we are acting with urgency to address the issue.
How We’re Addressing This
Temporary Measures: Affected fixtures have been identified, and signage will be posted designating them for handwashing use only.
Fixture Replacement: Although we are allowed six months to replace these fixtures, we aim to complete replacements within the next few weeks.
Post-Replacement Testing: After replacements are installed, we will coordinate with the DOH for retesting. Given the demand across 295 districts in Washington, retesting schedules will depend on state tester availability.
Our Commitment to Transparency and Safety
We will continue to keep our community informed throughout this process. Once the replacements and retesting are completed, we will provide updates on our website under Departments/Facilities regarding the results and any additional steps required.
Resources for Families
Lead exposure is a concern that extends beyond school water fixtures, and we encourage families to learn more about minimizing risks in their homes and environments. The Washington State Department of Health, EPA, and CDC provide helpful resources on this topic, including information on testing and prevention.
Additional information about lead exposure, as well as how to prevent lead exposure, is available at doh.wa.gov/lead. You can also reach out to the DOH Childhood Blood Lead Program at 800-909-9898 or lead@doh.wa.gov for more information.
Working Together for Safety
These proactive measures underscore our commitment to fostering a safe and nurturing environment where all students are safe, known, and prepared to reach their highest potential. Thank you for your understanding and support as we work through this process with diligence and care. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to us.
Sincerely,
Michael Porter
Omak School District Superintendent