Dear Springfield Lutheran School community:
Springfield Lutheran School has participated in a drinking water testing program offered through the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) to determine the presence of lead in drinking water in schools and child care facilities with the intent to reduce overall childhood lead exposure. This is in compliance with the Missouri "Get the Lead Out" program for schools.
Lead is a toxic heavy metal that is harmful if inhaled or swallowed, and is particularly dangerous for children. No safe blood lead level in children has been identified. Even low blood lead levels in children are associated with poor academic achievement and higher rates of neurobehavioral disorders such as hyperactivity and attention deficits. Because the developmental effects of lead toxicity may be permanent, prevention of lead exposure is key to assuring our children have the best chance at success.
Testing drinking water for lead is important to maintain a safe and healthy environment for our children to learn and play. Children can be protected from lead by reducing or eliminating dangerous lead sources before exposure. Materials, like pipes and fixtures may contain lead and can corrode over time releasing lead into the water supply. Testing is the only way to confirm the level of lead in our drinking water. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has established a lead in drinking water level of 15 parts per billion (ppb). Lead levels in drinking water at or above this standard are considered elevated and require action be taken. Revised Statutes of Missouri 701.200, requires schools that perform lead testing to notify the public of the results of that testing.
On April 17, 2024, samples were collected from 56 fixtures at Springfield Lutheran School/Redeemer Lutheran Church and tested for the presence of lead following the protocols described in the EPA’s 3Ts guidance
(https://www.epa.gov/ground-water-and-drinking-water/3ts-reducing-lead-drinking-water ). The samples were submitted to the Missouri State Public Health Laboratory. Springfield Lutheran School results were as follows:
53 samples tested below 5 ppb
1 sample tested between 5 ppb and 14.9 ppb
- 2nd grade classroom sink - 6 ppb
2 samples tested at 15 ppb or more (faucets removed from service; mitigation plan is pending)
- Art room sink - 15 ppb
- Teacher workroom sink - 92 ppb
Please note that the three locations that tested positive for the presence of lead are rarely used by students and almost never for cooking or consumption. Also, our water bottle fillers, water fountains, and kitchen sinks all were determined to be safe.
A copy of the lead in water test results will also be posted on our website and on our building community bulletin board. For more information about lead in water testing at our facility, please reach out to principal Amanda Cole.
Water is not the only source of lead that can poison our children. To learn more about the dangers of lead poisoning in your home, visit the DHSS website: https://health.mo.gov/living/environment/lead/index.php
To learn more about the WIIN Grant: https://health.mo.gov/living/environment/wiin-grant/
Sincerely,
Amanda Cole
Principal, Springfield Lutheran School