State environmental regulators say they have discovered lead and copper level issues in a Norman elementary school.
The Oklahoma Department of Environmental Qualified notified the school district that lead and copper levels are too high in the Washington Elementary school. In announcing the problem, the DEQ said five samples were taken during a routine sampling event and one exceeded the action level.
As a result of the exceedance, Washington Elementary School posted information on lead at all entrances and exits to the school, notified parents of the exceedance and has brought in an alternate water source. The sink with the exceedance has been taken out of service pending further sample results. DEQ anticipates that follow-up sample results will be available later this week.
The DEQ said the exceedence is for Washington Elementary ONLY and does not affect other schools within the Norman Public School District.
Lead and copper enter drinking water primarily from plumbing. Corrosive water dissolves lead from pipes, solder, metal faucets, and fixtures. Laws have restricted the amount of lead allowed in new pipes, fixtures, and solder. Buildings constructed prior to
1986 are more likely to have more lead in their plumbing.