High lead levels at Gregori High cause shutdown of water system
Gregori High School shut down drinking fountains and started providing water bottles to students after lead was found in bathroom sink faucets in early June.
Infants and children are most vulnerable to lead, which can cause brain and nervous system damage resulting in developmental delays, intellectual disability, difficulty paying attention, hearing and speech.
Though the school year has ended, there are about 200 students attending summer classes on campus. Corrective measures will likely extend into the beginning of the school year.
Dylan Perriera, an incoming senior at Gregori, plays volleyball on campus and said many students refill their water bottles at practice or during games.
“If that water is dangerous to drink, then I don’t know what problems that’s going to cause for us and where we’ll be able to fill up our water when we need it,” Perriera said.
Julie Perriera, Dylan’s mother, said her daughter fills up water at home, but does refill during volleyball games. “I wasn’t overly alarmed because they said they would provide bottled water,” she said. “So I personally didn’t spend that much time thinking about it.”
This is the second time Gregori has tested over the safe drinking limits for lead since it opened in August 2010. In 2018, four faucets tested over safe drinking limits. In the most recent results, eight tested over the limit.
In both instances, students were provided bottled water to replace the shut-down drinking fountains. In 2018, follow-up testing confirmed lead levels receded, though students and staff were reliant on water bottles up until then.
What is Modesto City Schools doing about the situation?
Tim Zearley, associate superintendent of business services for Modesto City Schools, said in an email the school tested on June 4 and received results from the lab on June 22. Water samples are annually tested as mandated by state law. It’s unclear when or how the lead was introduced into the water system.
Parents received notification that the school tested above the limit on Friday, June 26.
“After hearing about the news, I found it a little worrisome as everyone at school has probably come into contact with Gregori’s water either through washing their hands or drinking it,” incoming Gregori senior Vivian Simon said in a text-message interview.
Laura McNelis’ daughter is an incoming senior at Gregori. She said even though her daughter isn’t taking summer school, she’s concerned about public health.
“The biggest issue is what are they going to do to remedy the situation to make sure the drinking water is safe for all students and staff at the school,” McNelis said.
Out of 10 faucets sampled, eight were over the safe drinking level of 15 ppb; the highest concentration was found in the bathroom sinks.
Though none of the drinking fountains were impacted, the administrators preemptively shut them down while they work to identify the source of the lead contamination.
Rachel Riess, senior environmental health specialist for Stanislaus County, said the federal, state and local agencies all have a role in response to lead contamination.
“We are boots on the ground, so our job is to see the initial report of the lead level and to direct immediate responses,” Riess said.
Notification is required within 24 hours of the issue being discovered. After that, additional chemical testing will determine where and how lead was introduced into the water system.
The investigation into the source of the lead contamination is ongoing, but Zearley said some of the components for the school were procured before an updated “lead-free” plumbing requirement took effect.
If necessary, Zearley said the school will replace water fixtures and/or plumbing, and implement recommendations provided by the county.
“I’m hopeful that they’ll continue to communicate with parents and guardians as far as safety of the water goes,” McNelis said. “I’m appreciative that they didn’t hide it, too.”
