Lead Test Results from Drinking Water in Schools

Results posted here only represent testing done by the Washington State Department of Health since 2018. Test results associated with the implementation of Engrossed Second Substitute House Bill (E2SHB) 1139 are not currently displayed on this site but will be in the future. We provide schools with test results, along with information on next steps and action plans. Contact your school to find out more about this and other testing they may have done, as well as plans for remediation.

County School District School Sort descending Results
Chelan Wenatchee School District Abraham Lincoln
Chelan Wenatchee School District Abraham Lincoln Elementary Update
Whatcom Mount Baker School District Acme Elementary
Yakima Wapato School District Adams Elementary
Spokane Central Valley School District Adams Elementary
King Seattle Public Schools Adams Elementary School
King Federal Way School District Adelaide Elementary
Lewis Adna School District Adna Elementary School
Skagit La Conner School District After School Program (Braves Club)
Grays Harbor Aberdeen School District AJ West School
King Renton School District Albert Talley Senior High School
Snohomish Marysville School District Allen Creek Elementary
Snohomish Marysville School District Allen Creek Elementary
Lincoln Almira School District Almira Elementary
King Auburn School District Alpac Elementary
Pierce Steilacoom Hist. School District Anderson Island Elementary
Spokane Deer Park School District Arcadia Elementary School
Kitsap Bremerton School District Armin Jahr Elementary School
King Northshore School District Arrowhead Elementary
King Auburn School District Arthur Jacobsen Elementary

Lead in School Drinking Water

To address the concerns about lead in drinking water, and to reduce children's overall exposure to lead in the environment, in 2021, the Legislature passed and governor signed Engrossed Second Substitute House Bill (E2SHB) 1139 (PDF). In passing the bill, the Legislature follows the advice of the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Environmental Protection Agency that there is no known safe level of lead in a child's blood. Even low levels of lead exposure can cause permanent cognitive, academic, and behavioral difficulties in children. 

E2SHB 1139, now RCW 43.70.830 and RCW 28A.210.410, will require that drinking water outlets in school buildings built, or with all plumbing replaced, before 2016 be tested for the presence and level of lead contamination by June 30, 2026 and every five years thereafter. In addition, schools must notify community of lead test results and develop action plans for remediation if test results exceed the health-based standard of five parts per billion.

Concentration of lead in drinking water, even when it exceeds 15 ppb, is low compared to other sources of lead such as lead paint. The likelihood of drinking water at school alone causing an elevated blood lead level is very low. If you believe your child may have been exposed to lead in the environment, contact your healthcare provider.   

Resources

Lead Poisoning Prevention - Health effects of lead, common sources, and how to prevent exposure.

Engrossed Second Substitute Senate Bill 1139 (PDF)

Lead in School Drinking Water