The Houston R-1 School District has received its latest lead results from testing on March 8 – one of six tested locations remains high.
In a letter sent to parents Friday, April 12, reports indicated that a sink in the Co-Op building had an elevated level of 6.92 parts per billion. According to the letter, the sink will be taken out of service and remediated. A re-test will be scheduled following appropriate remediation. The letter was sent through email and text, a hard copy was given to elementary students to take home.
“We will continue to effectively move through this process and ensure that our staff and students have access to drinking water within the statutory requirement. The safety of our students and staff will continue to be of utmost importance,” said Dr. Justin Copley, superintendent.
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.
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.