Lead found in drinking water in Moorestown schools

MOORESTOWN - Lead has been found in water samples in five of the six township schools and remedial action is already underway, according to the school superintendent.

Superintendent Scott McCartney posted a community memorandum on the school district's website about the findings as a result of testing mandated in July for drinking water in all public schools by the New Jersey State Board of Education.

McCartney said lead was found at higher than acceptable levels in 16, or six percent, of 271 samples taken from drinking water faucets, fountains and food preparation outlets in all schools.

"We take the safety of our children very seriously and are thankful our sampling program showed relatively minor issues as compared to other districts in the state where much larger problems are being uncovered," he wrote.

Six of the failed samples were at the Mary Roberts Elementary School, five at South Valley Elementary, three at Moorestown High School and one each at George C. Baker Elementary and the Upper Elementary School. The William Allen Middle School had no high lead levels.

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The superintendent said that based on state action guidelines the district already has or will implement immediate remedial measures for any outlet with a lead level greater than 15 parts per billion. South Valley had the highest readings and a wide range from 15.3 at a hall water fountain to 370 at its nurse's office sink to 530 at a kitchen sink.

Remedial measures, including warning signage, already have been taken for failed locations associated with old fixtures following plumbing inspections, McCartney said. Corrections at other failed sites will occur during the next several weeks.

He said some water fountains have been taken out of service and some signs that read "Do not Drink. Safe for Hand Washing Only," have been posted. Some of those same locations also have been flushed and had aerators changed. Pipe removal and cleaning are other possible remedial actions.

Carol Comegno: (856) 486-2473; ccomegno@gannettnj.com