Get the Lead Out of School Water
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Get The Lead Out of School Water
In 2022, Missouri lawmakers passed, and Governor Mike Parson signed, the Get the Lead out of School Drinking Water Act (RSMo 160.077). This law requires school districts to sample and test all water outlets that could potentially be used for drinking, food preparation, cooking, or cleaning utensils in every school building in the District. The law also sets the standard for lead concentration in drinking water in schools across the state.
The deadline for completing this work is August 1, 2024. However, the Festus R-VI School District has completed testing. Those results will be posted on the website of the Festus R-VI School District and communicated to the Department of Health and Senior Services.
The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has a lead drinking water limit of 15 parts per billion (ppb) of lead in water. However, the Get the Lead Out of School Drinking Water act sets the limit of five parts per billion in Missouri schools. If lead levels exceed 5ppb, the District must take immediate steps to remediate the issue.
Lead is a toxic metal that is persistent in the environment and can accumulate in teh body over time. Risk varies depending on the individual, the chemical condition of the water, and the amount a person consumes. For example, an infant who drinks formula prepared using lead contaminated water, is at a higher risk of lead exposure because of the amount of water they consume relative to their body size. Bathing and showering should be safe because human skin does not absorb lead in water.
You can click below to view lead test results that exceeded 5ppb.
Early Childhood Center Elementary School
Intermediate School (no issues found) Middle School
High School
Information about Lead and Water from the EPA
Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services Information about Lead
Health Effects of Lead Contamination
Get the Lead Out of School Drinking Water Act
Lead in Drinking Water Frequently Asked Questions