Water Quality Testing
We take the safety of our students and community very seriously and work in partnership with local agencies, including the City of Bellevue Water Quality Specialist to assure the safety and quality of our water.
Background
Water quality testing at the school level is not regulated by the State of Washington. Testing has historically been conducted when requested by community members. Prior to the latest testing cycle (spring/summer 2016), the last extensive, multi-site testing occurred in 2005, before many of our buildings were torn down and rebuilt.
Standards & Testing Procedures
The EPA has set an action level of 15 ppb of lead in a one liter sample in public water systems. In order to distinguish between a problem at the source and a problem within a specific building, i.e. the pipes, fixture, or other components like solder, they have set the individual action level at 20 ppb for a 250 ml sample.
Historically we have taken action when results come back over 15 ppb for a 250 ml sample. Out of an abundance of caution we decided to continue using the 15 ppb action level for a 250 ml sample size during the most recent testing.
Beginning in Spring 2016, every water fountain, ice machine, bathroom sink, staff and classroom sink, kitchen prep faucet, water bottle station, and instant hot water faucet, as well as every hose bib where an athlete might fill their water bottle were tested. Sinks labeled “non-potable” indicating the water is not suitable for drinking, custodial closet sinks, dedicated dishwashing equipment and sinks, and specialized hand washing areas not affiliated with food preparation were not tested.
In the EPA outlined testing process, a 250 ml bottle was filled with a first draw sample of water from a fixture where water had sat in the pipes for no less than eight hours.* The samples are then delivered to a state-certified lab for analysis.
*In some cases of infrequent or rare fixture use, water may have sat in the pipes for significantly longer. Per the EPA the length of time water remains in the pipes is one of the factors involved in the extent to which lead enters the water. To learn more about how lead gets into drinking water, visit the epa.gov website.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if results are over 15 ppb?
Any fixture testing above 15 ppb is immediately taken out of service. The fixture is replaced using lead free certified fixtures, piping and solder. The new fixture is then tested to verify that lead levels are below the threshold. If the results are below the threshold, the new fixture is put into operation.
What kind of plumbing is used in the district’s new school buildings?
Since 2002 the district has been in the process of rebuilding schools. Plumbing is specified in district documents to comply with the Safe Drinking Water Act. The specifications for newly constructed buildings require all fixtures, piping and solder to be lead free.
Why did fixtures in our new school buildings come back with actionable levels?
Per the EPA there are a variety of factors that influence levels of lead in drinking water. To learn more about how lead gets into drinking water, visit the epa.gov website.
Why did take so long to report the district results?
We apologize for the delay in releasing the testing results. Multiple factors were at play, including staffing for this project and a longer than normal wait time as state-certified labs were inundated with test samples from multiple agencies.
What is the district plan, moving forward, to test fixtures?
We are in the process of establishing a testing cycle that will include random testing throughout the district and a focus on sites where fixtures have previously tested out of compliance.
What should I do if I’m concerned that my child has been exposed to lead?
If you are worried about your child, contact your pediatrician.
Where can I learn more about lead in drinking water?
Visit the EPA website to learn more about lead in drinking water.
Spring/Summer 2016 Test Results
Elementary Schools
Ardmore
| Fixture | Level | Remedy | Current Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Classroom faucet | 85.4 ppb | replaced fixture and installed lead filter | in compliance |
| Classroom faucet | 102.0 ppb | replaced fixture | in compliance |
Bellevue
Currently hosting Bennett Elementary
| Fixture | Level | Remedy | Current Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Staff Room faucet | 48.4 ppb | replaced fixture and installed lead filter | in compliance |
| Classroom faucet | 17.0 ppb | replaced fixture | in compliance |
| Classroom faucet | 17.9 ppb | replaced fixture | in compliance |
| Classroom bubbler (drinking fountain) | 16.3 ppb | fixture permanently removed and capped | permanently removed |
| Classroom faucet | 112.0 ppb | replaced fixture | in compliance |
Bennett
All test results were below 15 ppb. Building was demolished summer 2016
Cherry Crest
All test results were below 15 ppb.
Clyde Hill
| Fixture | Level | Remedy | Current Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ice maker inside refrigerator | 19.1 ppb | removed automatic ice maker | permanently removed |
Eastgate
All test results were below 15 ppb.
Enatai
Building was not tested due to construction at time of sampling.
Jing Mei
All test results were below 15 ppb.
Lake Hills
| Fixture | Level | Remedy | Current Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bathroom faucet | 64.7 ppb | replaced fixture | in compliance |
Medina
| Fixture | Level | Remedy | Current Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| FLEX staff room | 16.5 ppb | replaced fixture | in compliance |
| FLEX staff room | 23.7 ppb | replaced fixture | in compliance |
| FLEX staff room | 55.8 ppb | replaced fixture | in compliance |
Newport Heights
| Fixture | Level | Remedy | Current Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Staff room faucet | 22.2 ppb | replaced fixture | in compliance |
Phantom Lake
All test results were below 15 ppb.
Puesta del Sol
| Fixture | Level | Remedy | Current Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Staff room faucet | 28.1 ppb | replaced fixture, valving, and installed lead filter | in compliance |
| Bathroom faucet | 20.1 ppb | replaced fixture, valving, and installed lead filter | in compliance |
| Staff room faucet | 15.9 ppb. | Replaced fixture and installed lead filter | in compliance |
| Classroom faucet | 15.6 ppb | replaced fixture and installed lead filter | in compliance |
| Classroom faucet | 15.4 ppb | replaced fixture and installed lead filter | in compliance |
| Classroom bubbler (drinking fountain) | 20.0 ppb | replaced fixture, valving, and installed lead filter | in compliance |
Sherwood Forest
All test results were below 15 ppb.
Somerset
All test results were below 15 ppb.
Spiritridge
All test results were below 15 ppb.
Stevenson
All test results were below 15 ppb.
Three Points
Building leased to Bellevue Christian School.
| Fixture | Level | Remedy | Current Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Classroom faucet | 33.6 ppb | fixture replaced and lead filter installed | in compliance |
Woodridge
| Fixture | Level | Remedy | Current Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Staff room faucet | 16.4 ppb | replaced fixture | in compliance |
| Classroom faucet | 19.9 ppb | replaced fixture | in compliance |
Middle Schools
Big Picture
All test results were below 15 ppb.
Chinook
| Fixture | Level | Remedy | Current Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kitchen faucet | 23.9 ppb | replaced fixture | in compliance |
| Classroom faucet | 41.9 ppb | This is a dedicated handwashing sink. “Non Potable Water – Do Not Drink” signs installed. | Labeled as non potable water. |
Highland
| Fixture | Level | Remedy | Current Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Classroom faucet | 15.6 ppb | permanently removed due to adjacent sinks | permanently removed |
| Kitchen faucet | 16.5 ppb | permanently removed due to low usage | permanently removed |
| Staff room faucet | 34.1 ppb | permanently removed due to low usage | permanently removed |
| Classroom faucet | 15.0 ppb | replaced fixture | in compliance |
| Classroom bubbler (drinking fountain) | 17.2 ppb | This fixture was out of service/had to be valved on to test and was subsequently removed. | permanently removed |
| Classroom faucet | 24.6 ppb | permanently removed due to rare usage | permanently removed |
| Classroom faucet | 19.2 ppb | permanently removed due to rare usage | permanently removed |
| Classroom faucet | 24.6 ppb | permanently removed due to rare usage | permanently removed |
| Classroom faucet | 103.0 ppb | permanently removed due to rare usage | permanently removed |
| Classroom faucet | 52.2 ppb | permanently removed due to rare usage | permanently removed |
International
| Fixture | Level | Remedy | Current Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Clinic sink | 19.8 ppb | replaced fixture and installed lead filter | in compliance |
| Gym bubbler (drinking fountain) | 23.4 ppb | replaced fixture | in compliance |
| City of Bellevue Bubbler | 16.3 ppb | City was notified of the results and BSD was told that the City no longer services this fixture. The fixture was subsequently disabled and will be removed. | permanently disabled, will be removed. |
| Bathroom faucet | 21.8 ppb | replaced fixture and installed lead filter | in compliance |
| Bathroom faucet | 17.0 ppb | replaced fixture | in compliance |
| Bathroom faucet | 18.4 ppb | replaced fixture and installed lead filter | in compliance |
| Bathroom faucet | 22.7 ppb | replaced fixture and installed lead filter | In compliance |
| Classroom faucet | 33.7 ppb | replaced fixture | in compliance |
| Classroom bubbler (drinking fountain) | 40.1 ppb | replaced fixture and installed lead filter | in compliance |
| Classroom faucet | 22.8 ppb | replaced fixture and installed lead filter | in compliance |
Odle
Building was not tested due to construction at time of sampling.
Ringdall
Currently hosting Tillicum Middle School. All test results were below 15 ppb.
Tillicum
Building was demolished summer 2016
| Fixture | Level | Remedy | Current Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Staff bathroom faucet | 18.4 ppb | permanently taken out of service due to pending demolition | permanently removed |
| Staff bathroom faucet | 18.4 ppb | permanently taken out of service due to pending demolition | permanently removed |
| Photography darkroom sink | 15.2 ppb | permanently taken out of service due to pending demolition | permanently removed |
| Photography darkroom sink | 34.4 ppb | permanently taken out of service due to pending demolition | permanently removed |
| Photography darkroom sink | 24.7 ppb | permanently taken out of service due to pending demolition | permanently removed |
| Bathroom faucet | 41.1 ppb | permanently taken out of service due to pending demolition | permanently removed |
| Classroom faucet | 29.3 ppb | permanently taken out of service due to pending demolition | permanently removed |
| Bathroom faucet | 53.4 ppb | permanently taken out of service due to pending demolition | permanently removed |
| Gym bathroom faucet | 21.8 ppb | permanently taken out of service due to pending demolition | permanently removed |
Tyee
| Fixture | Level | Remedy | Current Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kitchen faucet | 65.0 ppb | replaced fixture | in compliance |
| Classroom dedicated handwashing sink | 41.9 ppb | valved off, to be labeled “non potable water, do not drink” | Labeled as non potable |
High Schools
Bellevue
| Fixture | Level | Remedy | Current Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kitchen faucet | 15.4 ppb | replaced fixture | in compliance |
Interlake
| Fixture | Level | Remedy | Current Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Concession booth faucet | 223.0 ppb | replaced fixture | in compliance |
| Classroom faucet | 23.5 ppb | permanently capped due to adjacent fixtures. | permanently removed |
| Classroom faucet | 18.9 ppb | replaced fixture | in compliance |
| Classroom faucet | 37.8 ppb | replaced fixture | in compliance |
Newport
| Fixture | Level | Remedy | Current Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bathroom faucet | 18.1 ppb | replaced fixture | in compliance |
| Bathroom faucet | 20.3 ppb | replaced fixture | in compliance |
| Staff room faucet | 26.2 ppb | replaced fixture | in compliance |
| Classroom faucet | 19.5 ppb | replaced fixture | in compliance |
| Classroom bubbler (drinking fountain) | 108 ppb | replaced valve | in compliance |
| Portable hand washing faucet | 113 ppb | replaced fixture, installed lead filter | in compliance |
Sammamish
| Fixture | Level | Remedy | Current Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Staff room faucet | 17.3 ppb | permanently removed and capped due to scheduled demolition | permanently removed |
| Staff room faucet | 32.9 ppb | fixture replaced and lead filter installed | in compliance |
| Bathroom faucet | 108 ppb | permanently removed and capped due to scheduled demolition | permanently removed |
| Bathroom faucet | 25.6 ppb | permanently removed and capped due to scheduled demolition | permanently removed |
| Bathroom faucet | 18.1 ppb | permanently removed and capped due to scheduled demolition | permanently removed |
| Bathroom faucet | 56.4 ppb | permanently removed and capped due to scheduled demolition | permanently removed |
| Gym bubbler (drinking fountain) | 23.1 ppb | permanently removed and capped due to scheduled demolition | permanently removed |
Additional Resources
For more information regarding lead in drinking water please see: