Dear Families:
We are writing to inform you that the school recently received a concern regarding water quality, specifically related to potential lead levels, in a Foods classroom sink located in room 120.
Upon receiving this concern, the district immediately reviewed the situation and took precautionary action pending the opportunity to confirm previous testing results. Out of an abundance of caution, the identified sink was relabeled and restricted to “handwashing only.” Bottled water was also made available for all cooking and food preparation activities in the classroom.
As part of our review process, the district examined historical testing records associated with this sink. We have since learned that this sink was originally not identified to be above the allowable state action threshold for lead during prior testing. However, given that questions were raised regarding the outlet’s status, the district has requested updated testing through the Town of Newport to reaffirm prior results and ensure continued compliance with current standards. Until updated testing is completed and reviewed, our precautionary mitigation steps will remain in place.
Existing bottle-filling stations throughout the building will continue to be available as a safe drinking water resource for students and staff.
For historical reference, New Hampshire has significantly strengthened its school drinking water standards in recent years through the State’s “Get the Lead Out” initiative under RSA 485:17-a. In 2022, the State of New Hampshire lowered the action level for lead in school and childcare drinking water outlets from 15 parts per billion (ppb) to 5 parts per billion (ppb). This revised standard required schools to reevaluate previously tested outlets and remediate any outlet testing at or above the new threshold.
The most recent historical testing information for this sink is as follows:
Date of Previous Testing: 11/6/2024
Previous Lead Level Result: 4.13 ppb
Applicable State Action Level at Time of Testing: none, below permitted allowable 5 ppb
According to guidance from the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services and the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services, water outlets identified above the state action level should not be used for drinking, cooking, or food preparation until remediation and follow-up testing occur. At this time, the sink in question has not been confirmed to exceed allowable thresholds; however, the district will continue to operate conservatively until updated testing is complete. The sink remains appropriate for:
Handwashing
Cleaning surfaces
General sanitation and custodial purposes
Washing dishes or equipment when followed by proper sanitization procedures
Families seeking additional information regarding lead exposure and lead poisoning prevention may reference the following resources:
New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services – Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency – Lead in Drinking Water in Schools and Child Care Facilities
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention – About Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention
The safety and well-being of our students and staff remain our highest priority. We will continue to work collaboratively with local and state partners, including the Town of Newport, and we will provide families with updated information once testing results are received.
If you have questions or concerns, please contact Shannon Martin at smartin@sau43.nh.gov.