Lead Testing

In 2022, the Missouri legislature passed the Get the Lead out of School Drinking Water Act (RSMo 160.077), which sets standards for lead concentrations in school drinking water. The law requires schools to conduct inventory, sampling, remediation, and monitoring at all potable drinking water outlets used or potentially be used for drinking, food preparation, and cooking or cleaning utensils. The deadline under the law is August of 2024.

The St. Joseph School District tested all school and building locations June 24-26, 2024. The testing included kitchens, sinks, water fountains, ice machines, and outdoor practice water stations. In all, 30 district locations were evaluated.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) currently has a lead drinking water standard limit of 15 micrograms per liter (ug/L) of lead in water. However, Missouri law requires that all Missouri schools achieve a 5 ug/L limit of lead in water. If a test point tests higher than the allowed levels, the district will remediate the problem point found by the contractor or add proper filtration recommended by officials.

If you have questions or concerns, please contact Casey Housman, Director of Operations at caseyhousman@sjsd.k12.mo.us

If you have questions about the health of your child or for additional information regarding lead testing, please contact your primary healthcare provider or the St. Joseph Health Department at 816-271-4636.