District 90 Water Sources Finally Free of Unsafe Lead, Copper Levels, Superintendent Says

After facing numerous problems with water quality and elevated lead levels in drinking fountains, District 90 Superintendent Ed Condon announced Monday those issues have been resolved at all his River Forest schools.

“At the beginning of this school year, District 90 reported that there were elevated levels of lead and copper in several District sinks, spigots, faucets and water fountains,” Condon wrote in an email to his faculty, staff and students’ families. “We wish to share with you that the District received the results from the latest round of mitigation efforts and testing late Friday, which indicated that all water sources are below the Environmental Protection Agency’s action level thresholds and are safe for consumption."

In August, when the first round of tests were conducted before school began, Westmond-based firm JMS Environmental Associates found that 33 water fixtures across District 90 schools retained copper and lead levels higher than the EPA’s standards. Those water fixtures were flushed out and aerated before a second test was performed, officials said.

After the second round of testing, 10 fixtures still produced unsafe drinking water.

According to Condon’s latest letter, those affected sources were “immediately disconnected and repairs were begun using certified and licensed plumbing contractors.” After those repairs, three water fixtures were brought back into use, Condon wrote, while the other seven remained disconnected for additional testing and repairs.

According to the latest test results, Condon said, all water sources in all District 90 buildings are now “well below” EPA standards for lead and copper levels.
“We greatly appreciate your understanding and patience as we worked to ensure the safety of the District’s water supply for our students, staff and visitors,” Condon wrote.

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