Healthy Schools: Lead in Water Information

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Home > Services > Facility Services > Healthy Schools > Lead in Water Information

In 2017, Oregon lawmakers passed OAR 333-061-0400, "Reducing Lead in School Drinking Water" which requires all schools and childcare facilities in Oregon to test for lead in drinking water on a 6-year cycle. All Education Service Districts in the state must test for lead in drinking water in school buildings during the 2022-2023 school year.
 
Results will be shared on the MESD website and directly with the school building communities.
 
MESD performed extensive initial lead in water testing in 2016.  All water sources with elevated lead levels were replaced, shut off, or posted with "Handwashing Only" signs. 

For questions about the health impacts of lead and testing please call or email the Multnomah County Health Authority Lead Line at 503-988-4000 or leadline@multco.us.  You may also visit the Multnomah County website on lead poisoning and prevention at https://multco.us/health/lead-poisoning-prevention.

Useful Links
Oregon Health Authority : Preventing Exposure to Lead in Schools (K-12) and Child Care : Schools and Child Care : State of Oregon
OAR 333-061-0400 Reducing Lead in Drinking Water
3Ts Guide for Reducing Lead in Drinking Water in Schools and Child Care Facilities
ODE Healthy and Safe Schools Page
Test Your Child for Lead | Multnomah County (multco.us)
Request a Test Kit to Test your Drinking Water for Lead
 
FAQs (Updated 3/17/2023)

Q. Who regulates and provides guidelines for lead in drinking water?
The Environmental Protection Agency and Oregon Health Authority regulate lead levels in drinking water. Oregon Department of Education Healthy and Safe Schools website https://www.oregon.gov/ode/schools-and-districts/grants/Pages/Healthy-and-Safe-Schools.aspx provides water testing protocols and technical guidance based on the requirements stated within OAR 333-061-0400.
 
Q. How often does MESD test for lead in drinking water?
MESD tests all school buildings every 6 years. The initial testing period was in 2016, and the first six-year cycle began in the 2022-2023 school year.
 
Q. What is the lead action level now?
The action level is now 15 parts per billion of lead (ppb). The level during the initial testing period was 20 ppb.
 
Q. What fixtures are now tested?
Per OAR 333-061-0400, all sinks, drinking fountains, water bottle filling stations must be tested. Showerheads, custodial sinks, eyewash stations, and outside hose bibs may be exempt from testing.
 
Q. What will MESD do if test results show elevated levels of lead in drinking water?
OAR 333-061-0400 states access to fixtures with lead levels above 15 ppb must be closed as soon as possible, within 48 hours, and remain closed until remediation is completed, and the fixture tests below 15 ppb. If the fixture is used primarily for sanitation purposes only, ODE permits that access may continue for up to 30 days, provided that clear signage is posted indicating the tap is not to be used for drinking or food preparation

Q.  Can we use the Brita Water Filtration systems?
Yes, the Brita water bottle filtration stations are EPA and NSF International compliant drinking water fixtures and will remain available for use.
 
Q. Where can I get information about health impacts from lead?
The Multnomah County Health Department is the recognized authority with the expertise in preventing and addressing health impacts from lead.  The health department website https://multco.us/health/lead-poisoning-prevention provides excellent information and answers about lead information and referral. They have also provided a hotline for questions 503-988-4000 or email leadline@multco.us

Q. If I'm concerned about my potential exposure to lead, where can I go to be tested?
You may visit the Multnomah County Health department website at https://multco.us/health/lead-poisoning-prevention/getting-your-child-tested-lead or call or email the Lead Line at 503-988-4000 or email leadline@multco.us for information about testing clinics in the area. You may also contact your primary care provider.

Q. Does it matter how old a home or building is?
The Multnomah County Health Department’s lead poisoning prevention webpage explains that common sources of lead include:

• Lead solder, which may have been used to join your plumbing (common in homes between 1970 and 1985).
• Older (before 2014) brass or chrome-plated brass faucets and fixtures. As of 2014, all brass-plumbing fittings must be no more than .25 percent lead. 

Q.   When were MESD buildings built?
MESD’s leased buildings (Wheatley, Helensview, and Knott Creek) were built before 1985. 

• Helensview (aka Sumner School): Built 1954
• Wheatley (aka Thompson School): Built 1956
• Knott Creek (aka Knott School): Built 1954

MESD’s owned buildings (Arata Creek, Burlingame Creek, and Ainsworth) were built after 1985.

• Ainsworth: Built 1989
• Arata Creek: Built 2001
• Burlingame Creek (aka Alpha School): Built 2000

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