This Boise junior high has elevated lead levels, so 27 schools will be tested

The 27 schools in the Boise School District built before 1986 will be tested after Fairmont Junior High School tested positive for elevated levels of lead.

Tests in mid-September showed lead in some of the fixtures in the school, such as faucets. The lead is not from the actual water source, the district said.

“All water faucets and fixtures which failed testing were immediately taken out of service, and are being replaced,” according to an email sent out by the district.

Previous testing at Fairmont in 2017 did not show any lead levels above the EPA threshold, the district said.

“As the tests proceed, the district is taking the extra precaution of requiring custodians at each of the 27 schools to follow EPA guidelines by running water at each of the school’s water fixtures each morning and in the afternoon to clear the lines, altering water bottle policies, and reaching out to the public,” the district said.

The 27 schools that will be tested are:

• Adams
• Boise
• Borah
• Capital
• Collister
• Fairmont
• Fort Boise
• Garfield
• Hawthorne
• Highlands
• Hillcrest
• Hillside
• Jefferson
• Koelsch
• Longfellow
• Liberty
• Madison
• Maple Grove
• Monroe
• Mountain View
• North
• Owyhee
• Pierce Park
• Taft
• Valley View
• Washington
• Whittier
  
  

“While we know that this information may cause some concern, we are taking the necessary steps to address the situation and confirm the safety of water throughout the district,” the district stated in the email. “

Alternative water will be available for those families who choose not to use the school’s drinking water.

The district also working with state and federal authorities about the issue, the district said.

If you have questions or want more information about lead in drinking water, go to the EPA’s website at epa.gov.