• Lead Water Testing

      The Jefferson Township Public Schools is committed to protecting all of our stakeholder's health. To ensure we strive for this commitment and to maintain compliance with the New Jersey State Law and Department of Education code, all of our schools drinking water was tested for lead.

      In accordance with the NJ Department of Education regulations, Jefferson Township School District will implement immediate remedial measures for any drinking water outlet with a result greater than the Lead Action Level of 15 µg/l (parts per billion [PPB]). This includes turning off the outlet unless it is determined the location must remain on for non-drinking purposes. In these cases, a "DO NOT DRINK - SAFE FOR HAND WASHING ONLY" sign will be posted.

       

       Results of our Testing


      Following guidance provided by the EPA, we completed a limited plumbing profile for each of the buildings within the school district. Through this effort, we identified and tested all drinking water and food preparation outlets.   

       

       Health Effect of Lead

      High levels of lead in drinking water can cause health problems. Lead is most dangerous for pregnant women, infants, and children under 6 years of age. It can cause damage to the brain and kidneys and can interfere with the production of red blood cells that carry oxygen to all parts of your body. Exposure to high levels of lead during pregnancy contributes to low birth weight and developmental delays in infants. In young children, lead exposure can lower IQ levels, affect hearing, reduce attention span, and hurt school performance. At very high levels, lead can even cause brain damage. Adults with kidney problems and high blood pressure can be affected by low levels of lead more than healthy adults. 

       

      How Lead Enters Our Water

      Lead is unusual among drinking water contaminants in that it seldom occurs naturally in water supplies like groundwater, rivers and lakes. Lead enters drinking water primarily as a result of the corrosion or wearing away, of materials containing lead in the water distribution system and in building plumbing. These materials include lead-based solder used to join copper pipe, brass, and chrome-plated brass faucets. In 1986, Congress banned the use of lead solder containing greater than 0.2% lead and restricted the lead content of faucets, pipes and other plumbing materials. However, even the lead in plumbing materials meeting these new requirements is subject to corrosion. When water stands in lead pipes or plumbing systems containing lead for several hours or more, the lead may dissolve into the drinking water. This means the first water drawn from the tap in the morning may contain fairly high levels of lead. 

       

       Lead in Drinking Water


      Lead in drinking water, although rarely the sole cause of lead poisoning can significantly increase a person's total lead exposure, particularly the exposure of children under the age of 6. EPA estimates that drinking water can make up 20% or more of a person's total exposure to lead. 

       

      For More Information


      A copy of the test results is available in our central office for inspection by the public, including students, teachers, other school personnel, and parents, and can be viewed between the hours of 8:00 A.M.. and 3:30 P.M.. and are also available on our website at jefftwp.org. For more information on reducing lead exposure around your home and the health effects of lead, visit EPA's Web site at www.epa.gov/lead, call the National Lead Information Center at 800-424-LEAD, or contact your health care provider.