Auburn retesting schools after 2008 tests found lead contamination

Water tests done in 2008 and recently reviewed found elevated lead levels in 20 fixtures at 10 schools in the Auburn School District, officials said Friday.

“At this time, we cannot verify the steps taken to correct the report findings,” the district said in a statement.

In the meantime, officials said, nine of the 20 fixtures were replaced, and all the fixtures, even those replaced, will be retested Monday. Based on the new results, fixtures will be replaced as needed.

“We will report the results when they are available,” the officials said.

School officials said they reviewed the test results for all their schools as a precaution after reports of lead in water nationally and in Washington.

“The well-being of our students and staff is our highest priority,” Superintendent Alan Spicciati said. “We are taking all steps necessary to ensure our drinking water meets standards.”

These actions have been taken:

▪ Water to the fixtures with elevated lead levels was turned off until retesting is done.

▪ Drinking water at all the district’s schools and facilities will be tested, beginning in June.

▪ Families with students in the district will receive a letter outlining the plan.

This story was originally published May 6, 2016 at 4:21 PM with the headline "Auburn retesting schools after 2008 tests found lead contamination."