Cardinal Schools officials want students and parents to know its drinking water is safe.
According to a Feb. 4 news release, school officials have fielded several calls over the last week regarding lead levels in the school district’s drinking water.
“With recent news stories regarding elevated lead levels found in other area schools and communities, we can certainly understand the concern for the students in our district,” officials said.
The water provided in district schools comes from a facility the Village of Middlefield Water Department maintains, monitors and services, according to the release.
“Our own maintenance department has been in contact with the village regarding the water department’s lead testing and monitoring practices, and the district can report, with confidence, that the drinking water is safe and meets all EPA standards,” officials said.
According to information found on the Village of Middlefield’s website, the water department samples water drawn from the aquifer to the treatment plant twice a year for numerous contaminants, including lead.
The department also tests for lead in 10 different households once every three years, per EPA requirements. The homes selected are most likely to have lead plumbing and fixtures due to their age.
“Water sample results taken from the aquifer in September of 2015 came back as non-detectable or zero,” the release said. “Of the results taken from homes during the same time frame, nine came back as non-detectable or zero and one came back at 2 parts per billion.
The United States EPA has established the action level for lead in drinking water at 15 parts per billion. The village results are well below this threshold and well within standards, officials said.
“The Cardinal Local School District will continue to be in contact with the Village of Middlefield, as warranted, for water testing results. Should there be a need to alert the public to any concerns within our schools, we will do so,” officials added. “Please rest assured, that right now, our water is safe.”
Anyone with questions or concerns is asked to call the Cardinal Schools Board of Education office at 440-632-0261.