WSVSD families, 

On December 6, 2024, WSVSD received results from routine lead testing completed on all our drinking water outlets on October 26, 2024. Please read the information below regarding test results, the action steps we took and who to contact for additional information.

Routine Water Testing Results

In compliance with Washington state law (RCW 28A.210.410 and 43.70.830), drinking water outlets are tested for lead once every five years in all K-12 public schools with plumbing installed before 2016. The intent of this law is to reduce children’s overall exposure to lead in the environment. 

While the likelihood of school drinking water alone causing an elevated blood lead level is very low, it is important to reduce exposure from every source as much as possible. Children 6 years and younger are the most susceptible to the effects of lead because their growing bodies absorb more lead than adults, and their brains and nervous systems are more sensitive to the effects of lead. Even at very low levels of exposure, children may experience effects, such as lower IQ levels, reduced attention span, hyperactivity, poor classroom performance, or other harmful physical and behavioral effects. Children over the age of 8 are less susceptible to the impacts of lead exposure.

On October 26, 2024 the Washington State Department of Health (DOH) sampled and tested the drinking water in 90 drinking fountains, kitchen faucets, classroom taps, and water bottle filler stations at Whitson, WPSIS, Henkle and the Transportation Center. We received test results on December 6, 2024. The results showed that four (4) faucets had lead levels above the DOH allowable threshold of five parts per billion (ppb) or less; all four were at Whitson Elementary School.  

We followed DOH guidance to quickly take action by: 

• Shutting off the identified taps and fountains at Whitson Elementary School in rooms 252, 255, 256, and the staff lounge. 

• These fixtures will be replaced by district maintenance staff and then retested by the DOH as quickly as possible. 

  • This is consistent with guidance from DOH for lead levels above 5 ppb.

  • Results from the retest will be shared as soon as they are available.

Students and staff can safely continue to use any of the other faucets and water bottle filling stations at Whitson, and all the faucets and water bottle filling stations at the other schools. 

We work closely with DOH on lead testing and remediation. You can learn more about our lead testing results and our mitigation plan on the WSVSD Family Resource page. You can also visit the DOH website to learn more about lead and steps you can take to lower the chances of lead exposure in your home.

For questions on the action plan, please contact our Facilities and Maintenance Director, Jesse Bryan at jesse.bryan@whitesalmonschools.org

Thank you for your continued support and partnership.

My best,

Rich Polkinghorn
Superintendent
White Salmon Valley School District