Lead found in water at four Cape schools

Elevated levels of lead were found in water tested at four Cape Henlopen schools, while testing results from the district’s five remaining schools are not yet available.

Sampled water in several sources at Cape High, H.O. Brittingham Elementary, Beacon and Mariner middle schools tested positive for elevated levels of lead, according to information posted on the district website. Testing results are not yet available for Lewes, Love Creek, Milton and Rehoboth elementary schools, or the Sussex Consortium. 

In a provided statement, Cape Superintendent Bob Fulton said the water sources that were identified as having elevated lead levels and as consumption points have been turned off and remedial efforts have begun.

“If the water source is not a consumption point, appropriate signage was placed on the fixture directing individuals not to drink the water while the district pursues remedial efforts,” the statement reads. “Families and the community can monitor the current and future results at de.gov/schoolwater beginning Friday evening. Once remediation efforts are complete, the fixtures will be retested and cleared before being utilized for consumption again.”

The district sent emails to parents with children at the four schools March 29. The H.O.B. email stated elevated levels of lead were found in two water sources. The Cape High email stated elevated lead levels were found in eight water sources, including two classroom sinks, one faucet in the athletic training room and five kitchen faucets. The Beacon email stated elevated lead levels were found in three water sources, including one drinking source and two kitchen faucets. The Mariner email stated elevated levels of lead were found in four water sources, all from kitchen faucets.  

According to data posted on the district website, testing at H.O.B. found elevated lead levels in two cafeteria water fountains and one room water fountain. Data for Cape High shows elevated lead levels in six kitchen faucets and four room sinks. 

District officials said they will update families when remediation has been completed. 

In drinking water, 15 parts per billion has been the EPA’s stated action level and enforceable standard for lead. Delaware has lowered the initial action level from 15 parts per billion to 7.5 parts per billion. 

DOE has directed schools to turn off drinking water sources that test at 7.5 parts per billion or higher. Fixtures that must remain in use for non-consumption, such as for handwashing, must be posted with “Do Not Consume” signage.

According to DOE, young children are particularly vulnerable to lead because its effects occur at lower exposure levels than in adults. In children, low exposure levels have been linked to hearing problems, learning disabilities, slowed growth and anemia. 

The state school drinking water testing program is a result of a grant from the EPA and DOE with support from the Delaware Division of Public Health. In December, DOE announced it had contracted with the private firm Batta Environmental Associates to conduct lead testing at drinking water consumption points in every Delaware public school. 

According to the Cape district website, testing in Cape schools began at Cape High March 8. Beacon and Mariner middle schools were tested March 9; H.O.B. and Lewes Elementary were tested March 10, Rehoboth Elementary was tested March 14, Love Creek Elementary was tested March 15, the Sussex Consortium was tested March 18 and Milton Elementary was tested March 21.

School officials said testing results for other schools will be posted when available.