Soon a new water sampling program will ensure the drinking water in our local schools is safe from unhealthy lead levels. Menlo Park Municipal Water staff has met with officials from schools located on public school property within its service area to explain the program, answer questions and tour sites to select sampling locations. The sampling locations include regularly used drinking fountains, cafeteria and food preparation areas and/or reusable water bottle filling stations. 

The sampling starts January 29, 2019, and takes place throughout the following three weeks. The sampling and testing program costs are covered by the city. If tests indicate any lead levels above the lead action level of 15 parts per billion (15 ppb), then the facility will be responsible for any actions needed to correct the situation.

This lead sampling program will meet updated state health and safety codes. In January 2018, California Assembly Bill 746 added a section to the Cal. Health and Safety Code 116277, requiring water agencies to test for drinking water lead levels at all K-12 schools, preschools, and child day care facilities located on public school property by July 1, 2019. MPMW is rolling out the program now to ensure compliance with this requirement before the deadline.

For more information about California’s lead sampling in schools program, please visit the California State Water Resources Control Board. For more information about MPMW’s program, contact water@menlopark.org or call 650-330-6750.