Helen Helstein updates Lehi water testing plan focusing on lead reduction efforts

The Shenendehowa Board of Education meeting on June 24, 2025, featured a significant update on the district's water testing plan, particularly concerning lead levels in drinking water. Helen Helstein presented the current status of the lead in school drinking water program, which is mandated by the Department of Health.

Helstein explained that the program requires schools to test drinking water for lead and take action if levels exceed 5 parts per billion. This new action level is notably lower than the previous threshold of 15 parts per billion. The current testing cycle began on January 1, 2023, and will continue through the end of 2025.

During her presentation, Helstein detailed the remedial actions taken since the last update in November. These actions included the removal of water fountains in elementary classrooms and the replacement of outdoor pipes. The district has also implemented the installation of inline filters and point-of-use filters at various sink locations to ensure safe drinking water.

Helstein reported that the district has successfully reduced the number of outlets requiring signage for lead levels above the action threshold by 16%. This reduction indicates progress in addressing lead contamination in school water supplies. Additionally, the district is updating its water outlet maps and reviewing kitchen outlets to ensure compliance with safety standards.

The meeting underscored the district's commitment to maintaining safe drinking water for students and staff, with ongoing education and communication efforts to keep the community informed about water safety measures. The next steps will involve continued monitoring and further remediation as necessary to ensure compliance with health regulations.