The Butler Area School District has- once again- found lead levels in some of their water sources that are above industry standards.
A total of 191 samples were taken from various sites throughout all district buildings in June, and nine of those came back with lead levels exceeding the U.S. Department of Environmental Protection’s regulations. Those sites are in the Intermediate High School Cafeteria A, two locations in the administration building, a facet at both the Center Avenue Community School and Middle School, and two fountains at the Senior High.
Water quality inspector Eric Buzza told the school board Monday that the levels of lead that were found were very low levels. The sites that were above regulations have already been shut down. Repairs are currently being made. Follow-up testing will take place before students return to school.
The findings came back during the district’s annual water testing, which is required under state law. Buzza noted that tests done during the summer tend to have higher levels because the water has sat stagnant for a lengthy period of time.
In 2017, the district came under scrutiny after high lead levels found at Summit Elementary were not immediately made public. Since then, Buzza told the school board the district has been very proactive with lead testing.
“You guys have done very well,” he said Monday. “You have sort of driven the bus here with the Department of Education. There was some tightening up of the rules here a bit.”
