Lead in Water

Lead is a toxic metal harmful to young children, particularly those under six, due to its impact on developing brains and nervous systems. Exposure can affect growth, behavior, and learning abilities.

Statewide Issue:

  • Recent data from the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) shows that 88% of Illinois school water samples contain detectable lead levels.

Our Proactive Measures

To safeguard students and staff, we have exceeded state requirements with a comprehensive lead mitigation strategy:

  • Initial Testing: All water fixtures tested in 2017 to identify baseline levels.
  • Filtered Drinking Fountains: Installed and regularly maintained in all schools.
  • Removal of Older Fixtures: Older classroom water fixtures identified with higher lead levels have been replaced or discontinued.
  • Regular System Flushing: Routine flushing of water systems to minimize lead buildup from stagnant water.
  • Periodic Retesting: Monitoring through regular testing.

Recent Testing Update

Our latest round of testing, conducted in February 2025 and included random samples at each school, found no detectable lead. This confirms the effectiveness of our proactive mitigation strategies.

Understanding Lead Exposure

  • Historical Context: Lead was commonly used in plumbing materials until 1988, making older buildings more susceptible.
  • Risk Factors: Increased risk when water sits unused for long periods, such as overnight or during breaks.
  • Health Assessment: Blood lead testing, advised by a healthcare provider, is the definitive method for assessing exposure levels.

Additional Resources:

Transparency and Safety Measures

We are committed to transparency. Testing results and safety measures are openly accessible. Parents and community members are notified whenever lead concentrations exceed 5 parts per billion (ppb), surpassing IDPH’s stringent notification level.

Our latest tests, which included random samples at each school, found no lead.

Historical Testing Results

See historical results exceeding 5 ppb

Alice Gustafson School

Sample Date Room Room Type Fixture Type
10/25/2017 104 Office Sink
10/25/2017 106 Workroom Sink
10/25/2017 109 Classroom Sink
10/25/2017 130 Mechanical Room Bleed valve
10/25/2017 132 Office Sink

J.B. Nelson School

Sample Date Room Room Type Fixture Type
11/22/2017 100 Classroom Sink
11/22/2017 101 Classroom Sink
11/22/2017 102 Classroom Sink
11/22/2017 105 Classroom Sink
11/22/2017 106 Classroom Sink
11/22/2017 114 Classroom Sink
11/22/2017 116 Classroom Sink
11/22/2017 125 Classroom Sink
11/22/2017 160 Mechanical Bleed valve
11/22/2017 126 Classroom Sink
11/22/2017 126B Kitchen Sink
11/22/2017 129 Classroom Sink

H.C. Storm School

Sample Date Room Room Type Fixture Type
11/22/2017 B1 Classroom Drinking fountain
11/22/2017 B2 Classroom Sink
11/22/2017 B3 Classroom Sink
11/22/2017 B4 Classroom Sink
11/22/2017 B5 OT/PT Room Sink
11/22/2017 B6 Classroom Sink
11/22/2017 C6 Classroom Sink
11/22/2017 C7 Classroom Sink
11/22/2017 C8 Classroom Sink
11/22/2017 D1 Classroom Sink
11/22/2017 D3 Classroom Sink
11/22/2017 D5 Classroom Sink
11/22/2017 N/A Mechanical Bleed valve
11/22/2017 N/A Workroom Sink
11/22/2017 N/A Girls locker room Drinking fountain
11/22/2017 N/A Boys locker room Drinking fountain
11/22/2017 LRC Office Sink
11/22/2017 E-Conf Conference room Sink

Louise White School

Sample Date Room Room Type Fixture Type
11/22/2017 B0 Classroom Sink
11/22/2017 B1 Classroom Sink
11/22/2017 B2 Classroom Drinking fountain
11/22/2017 B3 Classroom Drinking fountain
11/22/2017 B3 Classroom Sink
11/22/2017 B4 Classroom Sink
11/22/2017 B4 Classroom Drinking fountain
11/22/2017 B5 Classroom Sink
11/22/2017 B5 Classroom Drinking fountain
11/22/2017 B6 Classroom Sink
11/22/2017 C3 Classroom Sink
11/22/2017 C4 Classroom Sink
11/22/2017 C6 Classroom Sink
11/22/2017 C7 Classroom Sink
11/22/2017 C8 Classroom Sink
11/22/2017 D1 Classroom Sink
11/22/2017 D2 Classroom Sink
11/22/2017 D2 Classroom Drinking fountain
11/22/2017 D3 Classroom Sink
11/22/2017 D3 Classroom Drinking fountain
11/22/2017 D4 Classroom Sink
11/22/2017 D4 Classroom Drinking fountain
11/22/2017 D5 Classroom Sink
11/22/2017 D6 Classroom Sink
11/22/2017 D6 Hallway Drinking fountain
11/22/2017 N/A Workroom Sink
11/22/2017 400 Kitchen Sink
11/22/2017 500 Mechanical Bleed valve
11/22/2017 701 Girls Locker room Drinking fountain
11/22/2017 702 Boys locker room Drinking fountain
11/22/2023 400 Kitchen Sink

Grace McWayne School

Sample Date Room Room Type Fixture Type
01/25/2018 167 Bathroom Sink

Hoover-Wood School

No valid results exceeded 5 ppb.

Batavia High School

No valid results exceeded 5 ppb.

Rotolo Middle School

No valid results exceeded 5 ppb.