Notice: Merrill/C3 have received results for lead drinking water testing

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 public schools to test their drinking water for lead and take action when results show levels of lead at or above 5 parts per billion (ppb). The goal of this law is to lower children’s exposure to lead. To meet these requirements, Merrill Middle School has tested for lead at all water fixtures used for drinking and cooking.

Lead is a toxic metal that is especially harmful to young children. The degree of risk depends on the child’s total exposure to lead from all environmental sources – 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 testing your child’s blood for lead. For more information please visit: https://cdphe.colorado.gov/lead-testing.

Schools/child care facilities that have lead results in drinking water above 5 parts per billion (ppb) must take action to reduce exposure to lead. When lead is found at or above 5 ppb, the fixture is shut off while a more long-term solution is underway. These solutions may include permanently removing the fixture from service, designating a fixture as “not for drinking”, replacing drinking water faucets or fountains, or installing filters. For the fixtures where lead is found below 5 ppb, we will follow routine practices to further lower potential exposure.

Results Summary:

• 32 Fixtures were tested
• 25 Fixtures had lead results that tested below 5 ppb - no further action is required
• 7 Fixtures had lead results that tested at or above 5 ppb - we removed access for drinking at these fixtures. Long-term permanent fixes are planned for these locations.

Long-term permanent fixes are planned.

You can view the detailed sample results and remediation plans at the following link: https://cdphe.colorado.gov/environment/lead-safety/test-and-fix-water-for-kids. 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 Merrill Middle School. If you have questions or concerns about our facility and the actions we are taking, please contact Joni Rix at joni_rix@dpsk12.org .

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