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Recent Lead Testing at KHS

We are writing to let you know that Kennett High School recently completed testing for lead in drinking water. This is part of an ongoing effort related to New Hampshire’s House Bill 1421, which requires school and child care facilities to test for lead in drinking water and to act when lead is found at levels at or above 5 parts per billion (ppb).

Lead is a toxic heavy metal that has a range of adverse health effects if inhaled or swallowed. Lead rarely occurs naturally in New Hampshire’s drinking water sources (groundwater or surface water) and typically enters drinking water due to the wearing away of piping, faucets, fixtures and other plumbing materials. 

Because lead is tasteless, odorless and colorless in drinking water, testing is the only way to learn if lead is present. It is important to sample each faucet or water fountain that is used for drinking or food prep because test results can vary between locations. 

During recent testing, we collected samples from 73 drinking water outlets (e.g., drinking fountains, classroom faucets, kitchen sinks). Initially 9 failed with levels above 5.0 ppb.  We flushed all locations, replaced faucets where necessary and closed one permanently.  We are pleased to let you know that when retested, none of the results showed lead levels at or above 5 ppb, the level where action must be taken.

Some best practices to keep lead levels low include:

  • “Flushing” water, when possible, to allow drinking water that has been stagnant to move through the pipes. 

  • Using cold water for drinking and cooking. Hot water may increase the amount of lead transferred from the pipes or faucet, and boiling water does not remove lead. 

  • Discouraging drinking water from fixtures not intended for potable use (e.g., lab faucets, hoses, spigots, hand washing sinks).

The table below shows a list of the tested outlets that failed, their locations, sample results and our planned remediation.  

Outlet Number

Location

Sample Result (ppb)

Planned Remediation

20345-42

Boys Locker Room #B171 Shower #1

79.5

Showers were not in use, replace associated plumbing and fixtures

20345-51

PE Mens Office Room #B170

23.3

Not being used frequently, replace associated plumbing and fixtures

20345-55

Girls Locker Room #B163

156

Not being used frequently, replace associated plumbing and fixtures

20345-63

PE Sink Room #162

19.6

Not being used frequently, replace associated plumbing and fixtures

20345-64

PE Shower Room #B162

31.9

Not being used frequently, replace associated plumbing and fixtures

20345-65

Eye Wash Station #1,  Room B139

20.3

Never used, closed permanently 

20345-66

Eye Wash Station #2, Room B139

26.5

Not being used frequently, replace associated plumbing and fixtures

20345-67

Hand Wash Only Sink, Station #3, Room B139

9.81

Not being used frequently, replace associated plumbing and fixtures

20345-69

Hand Wash Only Sink, Station #5 Room B139

32.4

Not being used frequently, replace associated plumbing and fixtures

All sample results and additional resources from the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services (NHDES) can be viewed at gettheleadoutnh.org

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