Board approves lead-in-water mitigation plans after staff testing and faucet replacements

The Stevenson-Carson School District Board of Directors on Oct. 23 approved Lead in Water Mitigation and Remediation Plans after staff described interim repairs and testing steps intended to resolve elevated lead risks.

District facilities staff, represented in the minutes by guest Ed Farrell, said both Stevenson High School and Carson Elementary were repiped within the last 20 years and that aging faucets, not the in‑wall piping, appear to be the likely source of lead. Farrell’s team has begun replacing outdated faucets across both schools and will perform purchased lead tests; if those tests indicate continuing problems, staff will invite the Department of Health to conduct formal retesting. The board formally approved the mitigation plan on a motion from Mark Chambers, seconded by Lisa Birney; the motion carried (vote tally not specified).

Board discussion documented in the minutes included a plan to test science workstation sinks at SHS at teachers’ request and to include the CES Snack Shack faucets in testing. Board member Mark Chambers estimated that repiping the WRMS building would cost about $8 per square foot—roughly $300,000—and the district indicated it will not undertake full repiping at this time due to cost. The board’s action directs staff to continue faucet replacements and testing and to pursue Department of Health retesting only if purchased tests show problems.

The public hearing on lead in water was opened and closed by Chair Jeff Wickersham between 5:32 and 5:33 p.m.; no public comments were recorded. The minutes do not record a separate vote tally for the mitigation plan approval.