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Superintendent Message-3/17/2023

Lead Testing

SuperintendentMessage-3/17/2023Lead Testing

Through quality education our students will achieve personal success

The Telluride School District will support all students in striving for their highest potential through quality academics while addressing individual needs within a safe and healthy community.

March 17, 2023


Dear TSD Community:


In June, Governor Polis signed into law Colorado House Bill 22-1358: Clean Water in Schools and Child Care Centers. This bill requires all licensed child care programs and eligible schools to test their drinking water for lead and take action when results are found above the action level. The goal of this law is to lower children’s exposure to lead. To meet these requirements the Telluride School District is participating in the Voluntary EPA Lead Testing Program with San Miguel County Public Health and has tested all water sources for lead where children and staff get water for drinking and cooking.


Lead is a toxic heavy metal that is especially harmful to young children. The degree of risk depends on the child’s total exposure to lead from all sources in the environment – air, soil, dust, food, paint, consumer products, and water. Typically old or corroded lead plumbing or old brass fixtures can contribute to increased lead levels in drinking water. If you are concerned about your child’s exposure you can have their blood tested. Please contact your health provider to learn more about blood lead testing, or for more information please visit: https://cdphe.colorado.gov/lead-testing.


The lead action level for testing drinking water in schools/child care facilities is five parts per billion (ppb). When lead is found at or above five parts per billion (ppb), the fixture is shut off while a more long term corrective action is underway. Long-term actions may include permanently removing the fixture from service, replacing drinking water faucets or fountains, or installing filters. For the fixtures where lead is found below the lead action level, we will follow routine practices to further lower potential exposure.


Telluride Elementary School


Results Summary: 31 Fixtures were tested


29 Fixtures had lead results that tested below 5 ppb- no further action is required.


2 Fixtures had lead results that tested at or above 5 ppb- we removed access for drinking at these fixtures.


Telluride Intermediate/Middle/High School & Palm Theatre


Results Summary: 20 Fixtures were tested


19 Fixtures had lead results that tested below 5 ppb- no further action is required.


1 Fixture had lead results that tested at or above 5 ppb- we removed access for drinking at this fixtures.


Long- term permanent fixes are planned.


You can view the detailed sample results and remediation plans at the following link: https://cdphe.colorado.gov/drinking-water/school-lead-testing-grants. Results may take up to 30 days to be posted on this webpage. Protecting the health and wellbeing of Colorado’s children is our top priority, and we will keep you updated during the process at the Telluride School District. If you have questions or concerns about our facility and the actions we are taking, please contact the Superintendent’s Office or San Miguel County Public Health.


Sincerely,


John Pandolfo

Superintendent

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For more information on lead: https://cdphe.colorado.gov/lead

For Colorado lead testing requirements in drinking water: https://cdphe.colorado.gov/environment/lead-safety/test-and-fix-water-for-kids

For U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) general information on lead: www.epa.gov/lead