During routine lead and copper drinking water analysis on September 6, 2024, samples from three sinks in Circleville Elementary School exceeded the lead and drinking water threshold of 15 parts per billion (ppb). These sinks are located in classroom 111, classroom 217 and the physical education teachers’ office. The lead levels in the water from these three sinks were:

• Classroom 111 – 40 ppb
• Classroom 217 – 31 ppb
• Physical Education Teacher’s Office – 19 ppb

It was determined that these sinks had not been properly run before the testing commenced, which flushes out any buildup of lead in the pipes. More importantly, this was a first-time, isolated occurrence. Due to this occurrence, additional lead and copper samples will be collected and tested more frequently and the results will be published. All water from fountains and bottle-filling stations is filtered.

All other samples taken throughout the building were below the 15 ppb level.

You will soon receive a letter from the district explaining the results of the lead testing with information about the effects of lead, the sources of lead and what can be done to reduce exposure.

If you have any questions about this incident, please contact Principal Kristin Slover at kristin.slover@pinebushschools.org  or Jim Licardi, the district’s director of operations and maintenance, at jim.licardi@pinebushschools.org.

Please know that the safety of our students and staff is always our priority.