Results show that the two water samples had lead levels above the EPA s action level for lead, which is 20 parts per billion (ppb).

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1 February 20, 2019 Dear Isom Elementary Parents, Students and Staff: In 2017, the Legislature directed the Washington State Department of Health to test for lead in drinking water in public schools in an effort to reduce children s overall exposure to lead in the environment. As part of our commitment to ensuring the health of our students and staff is protected, we recently participated in this program. What did we learn? On April 10, 2018, DOH staff sampled sixty-four fixtures at Isom Elementary School. This represents every fixture that provides drinking water to students or staff, or is used to prepare food. The testing was done prior to the school day before students were in the building. Results show that the two water samples had lead levels above the EPA s action level for lead, which is 20 parts per billion (ppb). What are we doing? A water sample collected from a pot filler in the school kitchen tested well above 20 ppb. Fortunately, this fixture has not been used for drinking or food service for over 20 years (if ever). As a result of this extended period of non-use, water sat in the fixture for a very long time, and was likely a factor in the elevated test results. Regardless of the history of this fixture, it has been removed and the supply lines have been capped to prevent any chance of accidental use. A water sample collected from a classroom tap tested slightly above 20 ppb. This fixture has been removed and replaced with a non-lead fixture. Why is lead a problem? Children are exposed to lead from a variety of sources in their environments. Exposure sources include dust from old, deteriorating lead paint, contaminated soil, take-home exposures from parents who work in certain industries, and many others. Each of these sources contribute to the amount of lead in the bodies of children. It is important to reduce exposure from every source as much as possible. Children six years old and younger are the most susceptible to the effects of lead. Their growing bodies absorb more lead than adults and their brains and nervous systems are more sensitive to the damaging effects of lead. Even at very low levels of exposure to lead, children may experience effects including lower IQ levels, reduced attention span, hyperactivity, poor classroom performance, or other harmful physical and behavioral effects.

2 How can I learn more? Water testing results are available at the district office and on our website For more information about water quality in our schools, please contact Reed Gillig at If you are concerned that your child has been exposed to lead for any reason ask your healthcare provider about having them screened for lead. Sincerely, Reed Gillig Facilities Supervisor Lynden School District #504

3 News Release Isom Elementary School For immediate release: February 20, 2019 Contact: Reed Gillig Facilities Supervisor Lynden School District # Lead found in drinking water sources removed LYNDEN, WA - On April 10, 2018, health officials from the Washington State Department of Health, in response to a request from Lynden School District officials, collected sixty-four water samples from water fixtures at Isom Elementary School. This effort was undertaken as part of a state-wide effort to reduce children s overall exposure to lead in the environment. The sixty-four samples collected represents every fixture that provides drinking water to students or is used to prepare food. Test results from the collected samples showed two fixtures with lead levels above the EPA s action level of 20 parts per billion. #1 was collected from a pot filler located in the school s cafeteria kitchen. While this fixture has not been used for food service for over 20 years (if ever), it has been removed. The second sample was collected from a tap located in a classroom. The entire faucet assembly and supply lines were removed and replaced with lead-free components. Our students health and safety is our top priority. When we had the opportunity for the state to test our school s water we were happy to participate, said Facilities Supervisor, Reed Gillig. The water testing followed federal and state guidelines for sample collection and testing. Information about the lead testing program, including laboratory results, can be found at the district office Monday through Friday between 8:30 a.m. and 4 p.m.

4 Lead Collection Information DISCLAIMER: Results posted here only represent testing done by the Washington State Department of Health for the lead in school drinking water program. Schools have been provided these results, along with recommendations for remediation if applicable. Please contact your school to find out more about this and other testing they may have done, as well as plans for remediation. School District Name: Lynden School District School Name: ISOM Elementary School Code: 4324 Address: 8461 Benson Rd Lynden WA Number of s Collected: 63 Date Collected: 4/10/2018

5 number ID Type First First First First First First First First First 6335 First First First First First First First First First First First First First 22 Description Location Lead Content (ppb) Date of Analysis Pot Filler Kitchen /28/2018 Kitchen Sink Across from /28/ /28/ /28/2018 Notes/Comments 6 06/28/2018 No aerator 10 06/28/ /28/ /28/ /28/ /28/ /28/ /28/2018

6 number ID Type 6371 First 6372 First 6373 First 6374 First 6375 First 6376 First 6377 First 6378 First 6379 First 6380 First 6381 First 6382 First 6383 First 6384 First 6385 First 6386 First 6387 First 6388 First 6389 First 6390 First 6391 First Description on left on right Location Lead Content (ppb) Date of Analysis /28/ /28/ /28/ /28/ /28/ /28/ Gym Gym Cafeteria /28/ /28/ /28/ Notes/Comments

7 number ID Type 6392 First 6393 First 6394 First 6395 First 6396 First 6397 First 6398 First 6399 First 6400 First 6401 First 6402 First 6403 First 6404 First 6405 First 6406 First 6407 First 6408 First 6409 First 6410 First Description Location Lead Content (ppb) Date of Analysis /28/2018 West of /28/ /28/ /28/ /28/ /28/ P /28/2018 P-176 P-178 P-175 P-174 Blank Near Main Office in Hallway Nurse's Office Nurse's Office Staff Meeting 6 06/28/ Notes/Comments 1 No aerator

8 number ID Type 6411 First 6412 First 6413 First Description Water Cooler TB= Turbidity, further analysis required. Location Staff Copy Staff Lounge Staff Lounge Lead Content (ppb) Date of Analysis 8 06/28/2018 Notes/Comments Used by staff members this morning TB