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The school has received its latest lead results from testing on Feb. 6 – some levels remain high.
In a letter sent to parents Friday, March 8, reports indicated that five levels remained elevated, including four cafeteria hand washing sinks in the early childhood center and a water main in the west wing of the elementary building. The letter was sent through email and text, a hard copy was given to elementary students to take home.
The letter states “To date, ninety-seven test points have been identified for the Houston R-1 School District. Eleven of those test points indicated greater than 5 parts per billion during the initial draw sampling phase and were re-tested using the flush test method. Five of those flush test points indicated elevated readings, indicating that supply lines are the contributing factor to the elevated levels. Six of those flush test points were localized to the outlet itself. One of the test points indicated greater than 5 parts per billion during the initial draw sampling phase on Feb. 6 and is scheduled for re-test using the flush test method on March 8.”
Hardness of water, corrosion of iron pipes, high pH levels, high alkalinity, high temperatures in water heaters, high corrosivity and the specific gravity of the materials used in construction of outlets can all contribute to elevated levels. Old faucets are also likely to have been manufactured before strict lead and copper requirements.
“We are excited to announce that all remedial testing passed with readings of less than five parts per billion during this last testing cycle (2/6/24),” said Dr. Justin Copley, superintendent.
While we are excited about these results, we are not done. This will be an ongoing process of assessment and remediation. We will continue to firm up our campus inventory to ensure that all possible sources of drinking water are included in future testing cycles. As always, the health and welfare of our students and staff are top priority.”
For more information you can reach Copley at jcopley@houston.k12.mo.us or Director of Maintenance Dave Rust at drust@houston.k12.mo.us. The Texas County Health Department can be reached at 417-967-4131.