Lead Found in Water at Fieldcrest Intermediate School in Toluca

Thursday, November 02, 2017 - Posted 8:18:36 PM

Lead was found in some of the water at the intermediate school in Toluca that exceeded the state's action level according to a state test result of the water sent to the school district. The test results can be viewed at this link. Below is a letter send to parents from Fieldcrest Superintendent Dr. Dan Oakley.

Dear CUSD 6 parents:

Illinois Public Act 099-0922 requires all schools in the state of Illinois to test all water used for drinking or cooking for lead in parts per billion (ppb). The district is required to report certain test results, but is reporting all results in the interests of all involved. The purpose of this letter is to inform parents and families of those results. A copy of the full results by location will be sent home tomorrow and is posted on the district website.

At this time, testing has been completed and results returned for the Intermediate building in Toluca. The city of Toluca conducted the testing. Results are indicative of levels in the Intermediate building only, not the city of Toluca.

Items tested in the Intermediate building included potable water taps, faucets, and drinking fountains. A total of thirteen locations were tested. Of these locations, three locations were at or above the state's "action" level of 5 ppb. These locations have been taken out of use until such time as repairs or replacements can be affected.
1. Third floor - water fountain near library
2. Second floor - water fountain between Mrs. Nordstrom's room and Mrs. Cwiak's Room
3. Second floor - water fountain outside teacher's workroom

Of the remaining ten locations, five showed no lead detected at all. The remaining five had lead detected, but below the state's 5 ppb action level. Those locations included the other water fountain on the third floor by the library and then four faucets in the kitchen.

Testing/analysis in our other three buildings is still under way, with results expected soon. When those results are in, there will be similar reports made to parents and families.

Ensuring the safety, health, and well-being of our students is of the highest priority. The quality of water in our schools is an important element of these concerns. The district will continue to test the quality of potable and cooking water in our buildings.

If you would like to learn more about the protocols and procedures involved in lead testing in schools in Illinois, please see https://www.isbe.net/Documents/Sampling-Drinking-Water-Guidance.pdf. Parents with concerns or questions may contact my office at the number or email.

Sincerely,

Dr. Daniel L. Oakley, Superintendent
doakley@unit6.org

Comments

Nancy Reiter: The school Lead level is more stringent than the city lead level!! So city water has a higher lead level that is acceptable than a school. Don't freak out yet!
Melanie Olson Mills: This is why I send my child to school with bottled water.
Lynn Barth Manning: Hmmm
David Dunham: Could happen anywhere!