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KCSD enrolls in state lead‑testing program after governor lowers standard to zero
Summary
After Pennsylvania’s governor set a new, more stringent state lead standard, the district enrolled schools in the state testing program and will test drinking fountains and faucets; staff noted many labs cannot test down to 0 parts per billion.
District facilities staff told members on May 26 that Pennsylvania’s recent change in lead‑testing policy requires heightened attention: staff described the governor’s action as effectively lowering the state action level toward 0 parts per billion.
"The big thing with the state now is 0 parts per billion," Sam Hoy told the committee, adding that many commercial labs lack equipment to measure that low. Hoy said the district has enrolled all schools in the state program, performed training and will include public notice as part of ongoing facilities reporting.
Hoy said the district’s previous experience included a classroom at Renova Elementary where fixture replacement and retesting resolved a high result. He clarified that testing and corrective action apply to drinking sources: faucets and drinking fountains intended for consumption, not bathroom sinks.
Staff said that while federal guidance previously used a 15 parts per billion reference, the district must now follow the state program’s direction; Hoy said action typically is required when samples exceed low single‑digit parts per billion thresholds (staff cited about 5 ppb as a practical trigger for remediation steps). The district will investigate and pursue funding avenues if a school requires plumbing replacement.
The committee asked staff to continue annual communication about testing and to report any required remediation steps to the board.
