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District details lead‑testing history and seeks $333,350 for filter‑first water‑fountain replacements
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Summary
Facilities staff reported more than 180 lead tests over eight years with two samples above the EPA action level (15 ppb) and recommended a "filter‑first" approach: replace drinking fountains and install certified lead/PFAS reduction filters. The current purchase price for the next phase is $333,350, funded from the long‑range facilities plan.
Unionville‑Chadds Ford’s facilities team provided an overview of the district’s lead‑testing program on March 9 and recommended continuing a "filter‑first" strategy to reduce lead and PFAS exposure in school drinking water.
Mister Weitzel said the district has performed routine lead testing on a three‑year rotation for its schools and has conducted more than 180 samples over eight years. "We only had two tests that were above the 15 parts‑per‑billion action level," he said, referencing the EPA action limit. The two high readings were traced to specific kitchen pre‑rinse faucets; the fixtures were removed, retested and occupants were notified.
Because lead leaching can come from service lines, solder, and brass fixtures, the district recommended replacing older water‑fountain units with certified lead‑reduction hydration stations and installing under‑counter certified reduction filters in kitchens used for food preparation. The recommended purchase for this phase, priced from the state contract and to be installed by in‑house staff, is $333,350; the work is included in the long‑range facilities plan.
Administration emphasized ongoing testing and phased replacement. "Last year we replaced over 25 water fountains and hydration stations at two elementary schools," Mister Weitzel said, and the next summer cycle will replace remaining units at the middle and high school. Board members asked whether the filters also address PFAS; staff confirmed the selected units include certified PFAS reduction capability.
What’s next: the board will consider this purchase in regular business and proceed with installation this summer; administration said funds were already allocated in the long‑range facilities budget.
