Annual Water Testing for Lead in Schools

DC PCSB recently tested the lead filters that were installed on drinking water sources in every DC public charter school in SY 2022-23, and took action to ensure every device was working smoothly and safely. Read more about the process and results below. 

During SY 2022-2023, DC PCSB installed lead filters on every drinking water source in every DC public charter school. The 1,646 devices were also tested for lead. Of the 3,292 samples taken throughout all the charter schools, only 11 samples from 11 separate devices, had elevated lead levels. This means the result had a concentration of lead is 5.0 parts per billion/ppb or higher. The 11 affected devices were shut off and taken out of service, remediated and retested. All were returned to service after the second retest produced results below 5.0 ppb. DC PCSB tests all drinking water sources to ensure lead levels are lower than 5 parts per billion (ppb), the safe level the city recommends (see code) for drinking water in schools.

 

The types of devices tested included:

  • Drinking water fountains (both bubbler and water cooler)

  • Health suite sinks

  • Staff break room sinks

  • Icemakers

  • Kitchen sinks used for food preparation

  • Classroom sinks in early PK and K classroom

 

Lead testing work was completed by July 2023.

DC PCSB began testing drinking water sources in public charter schools in 2016. We are committed to ensuring that students have access to safe drinking water. To comply with The Childhood Lead Exposure Prevention Amendment Act of 2017, DC PCSB oversees and manages the process to install filters, test for lead, label, and place signage on each device in public charter schools.

Find the results of the lead testing at all DC public charter schools below.

RESULTS