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High level of lead found in drinking fountain at Bolton middle school

November 1, 2018   ·   0 Comments

Written By JOSHUA SANTOS

A water fountain at Allan Drive Middle School has tested high for lead.

Carla Pereira, director of communications and community relations for Peel District School Board (PDSB) said the fountain’s levels exceeded the standard level after drinking fixtures were tested.

“The Ontario Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks and Peel Public Health are provided the results of sampling and Peel Public Health directs corrective actions. In this case, the school was immediately put on a daily flushing schedule of all drinking fixtures each morning to reduce lead levels,” said Pereira in an email interview.

The Ontario Drinking Water Standard for lead is 10 parts per billion. The school tested for 11.6 parts per billion. A sample of the fountain was analyzed by a licensed laboratory after it has not been used for a minimum of six hours.

This is the first time the Bolton school has had a high level of lead in its water since testing began in 2007.

“Any results above the standard are considered an exceedance and corrective actions are taken as per the direction of Peel Public Health,” said Pereira.

A flushed sample is also taken from each set fountain. This means water is run through the fixture for five minutes and then tested about 30 minutes later. This sample yielded an acceptable lead concentration of 6.3 parts per billion.

All remaining samples taken at the school also showed an acceptable lead concentration.

Schools and child-care centres are required to conduct an annual test for drinking water, as per the Safe Drinking Water Act, 2002. New legislation established in 2017 required every water fountain to be tested by 2020 in schools and daycares with primary divisions, or 2022 for all other schools.