About Water Testing in Jeffco Public Schools and Colorado
As a proactive measure, the Environmental Services Department of Jeffco Public Schools began testing lead levels in all drinking water sources at our schools and facilities in 2016. The testing was not required at that time, however the health and safety of our students and staff is a priority and we have routinely conducted it on a scheduled basis for six years.
In June 2022, Governor Polis signed into law Colorado House Bill 22-1358: Clean Water in Schools and Childcare Centers, requiring 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). As part of this legislation, Jeffco is testing water at all elementary and K-8 schools before the conclusion of the 2022-23 school year.
Visit the CDPHE website to view a summary of the most recent results for each drinking water source under the House Bill program.
Public Health Water Standards
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) requires public water systems to take action if a water sample exceeds 15 parts per billion (ppb). The 15 ppb level is a trigger for action, rather than an exposure level risk. However, Colorado House Bill 22-1358 requires that action be taken if a water sample exceeds 5 ppb. Because the state’s legislation is written as 5 ppb and not 5.0 ppb, any sample that is 4.5-4.9 ppb is rounded up to be considered in need of remediation. This can be confusing, but it is important to understand the ramification for how this law was written.
What Jeffco is doing if a Fixture Tests at or above 4.5 ppb
If a fixture tests at or above 4.5 ppb, access to water from that site is immediately turned off and the Jeffco Facilities team will collaborate with the State of Colorado on a remediation plan that includes ongoing testing to ensure standards are met before access to that fixture is restored.