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Tests show lead in school water

Bothwell Middle School in Marquette is among several schools in the Marquette Area Public Schools district where elevated levels of lead were found during recent testing. (Photo courtesy of MAPS)

MARQUETTE — Test results for some fixtures in Marquette Area Public Schools buildings have shown elevated levels of lead.

In a letter to students, parents, staff and community members, MAPS Superintendent Bill Saunders said that in response to recent discoveries of elevated lead levels at Northern Michigan University, potential legislation mandating school water testing and “out of concern for student and employee safety,” he decided MAPS should be proactive and test its water.

Saunders wrote that several weeks ago, he contracted with TriMedia Environmental & Engineering, based in Marquette, to test the drinking water. TriMedia then collected samples and sent those to a lab in downstate Michigan to look for copper and lead.

“To date, we have had no test results that exceed recommended limits of copper in our drinking water,” Saunders wrote. “We did, however, have many fixtures that exceed recommended levels of lead.”

He pointed out fixtures might include drinking fountains, classroom and custodial sinks, and other sources of water within the buildings.

Saunders said the ratios of fixtures showing lead levels above the recommended threshold of 15 parts per billion are as follows: Superior Hills Elementary School, all less than the threshold; Cherry Creek Elementary School, all less than the threshold; Sandy Knoll Elementary School, 18 out of 44 fixtures; Bothwell Middle School, 29 out of 38 fixtures; Graveraet Elementary School, 17 out of 28 fixtures; and Marquette Alternative High School at Vandenboom, one out of 15 fixtures. No results have been received yet regarding Marquette Senior High School.

“We are able to determine, based on the data received to date, that many of our newer fixtures such as bottle fill stations, drinking fountains and sinks, had results below the acceptable threshold,” Saunders said.

MAPS, he said, has asked TriMedia to conduct another round of testing — a more precise test — so the district can better determine the source of lead.

“Is it a fixture issue or is it a piping issue?” Saunders asked in the letter. “Meanwhile, as we wait on these results and that of the high school, we are mobilizing all resources to address and fix these issues before school starts in September.”

Saunders said he plans to update the public weekly as the district gathers more data and begins remediation of faulty fixtures or piping.

“The district is 100 percent committed to ensuring the safety and welfare of all students, staff and community who are educated in, work in or share the use of our buildings,” Saunders said.

Saunders can be reached at 906-225-4200 or wsaunders@mapsnet.org.

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