Overview
On October 13, 2017, California Assembly Bill 746 (AB 746) was signed into law. AB 746 requires all community water systems, such as West Valley Water District (WVWD), to test the lead levels of drinking water for all public—K-12 schools, preschools, and child day care facilities located on public school property by July 1, 2019.
Private schools (K-12) are not required to have their portable water systems tested for lead under AB 746. However, private schools are still eligible to request testing—requests must be made by November 1, 2019.
Sampling Request
Schools interested in lead sampling are encouraged to submit a written request to WVWD’s Water Quality Department. Please email the requests to abudicin@wvwd.org. WVWD will cover the costs of the initial lead sampling.
Lead Sampling in Schools – 2017 Results
WVWD worked with 10 schools during 2017 in a collaborative effort to proactively test for lead within school facilities. All school samples analyzed for lead were below the action level of 15 parts per billion.
Importance of Lead Testing in Schools
Lead rarely occurs naturally in WVWD’s drinking water, but may become present when water passes through older plumbing fixtures or from solder containing lead that is used to connect plumbing fixtures. The presence of lead in levels above the action level of 15 parts per billion can cause serious health problems, especially for pregnant women and children.
WVWD is committed to providing high quality drinking water to all schools within its service area and provides safe drinking water that meets all state and federal requirements to all of its customers. Additional information on lead sampling for schools can be viewed at the California Water Boards Department of Drinking Water website. If you have any questions regarding lead sampling for schools within WVWD’s service area please contact WVWD’s Water Quality Supervisor.