State Statute 160.077

The Eldon School District is committed to the safety and well-being of our students and staff. In alignment with that commitment and in compliance with the new Missouri state law, “Get the Lead Out of School Drinking Water Act,” prior to the winter break we had a professional environmental consulting firm initiate testing of our water. All our schools and buildings were tested to determine if the lead concentration in the water was above the required action level of five parts per billion (5 ppb), which is equal to 5 micrograms per liter. The 5 ppb level required by the state is below the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA’s) recommended action level of 15 ppb.

While the law specifies that all preschool through 12th-grade schools that receive state funding have until August 1, 2024, to complete testing at all drinking water outlets and food preparation outlets, we acted promptly, in accordance with our commitment to protecting our community, and began testing outlets to ensure we could immediately initiate remedial measures as needed.

From December 26th through 29th, sampling in each of our buildings was conducted.   Of the 450 water outlets tested, 335 outlets tested below the statutory level of 5 ppb. Of the 450 water outlets tested, 412 outlets tested below the US Environmental Protection Agency’s recommended action level of 15 ppb.

Upon receiving the results, each of the water sources above the 5 ppb was remedied or taken out of service by our district facilities team. Furthermore, faucets and other outlets that are not intended to be used as drinking water have been clearly marked with “Do not drink” signage.  Before being used again, any water source found to be above 5 ppb will be replaced or have a filter installed.

Please know the safety and health of our students and staff is our highest priority and we will work diligently to rectify every source that is out of compliance. In the meantime, all students and staff will continue to have access to a variety of water outlets that have met compliance throughout each school building.

If you have questions about a lead sample result at a specific outlet and actions taken, or if you have concerns, please email matt.davis@eldonmustangs.org

If you have questions regarding the health of your child or for additional information regarding lead testing, please contact your primary healthcare provider or the Miller County Health Department at 573-369-2400.

Additional resources
Lead is rarely found in source water like groundwater or rivers. Typically, lead in water is the result of corrosion, or the wearing away, of lead-containing materials in the water distribution system such as pipes and faucets. Since 1986, all plumbing materials must be “lead-free”. The law currently allows plumbing materials to be up to 0.25 percent lead to be labeled as “lead-free”. While there are fewer amounts of lead used in newer water distribution systems, corrosion still occurs. When water stands in lead pipes or plumbing systems containing lead for several hours or more, the lead may dissolve into the drinking water. In such circumstances, the first water drawn from a tap in the morning typically contains the highest traces of lead.

Lead in drinking water, although rarely the sole cause of lead poisoning, can significantly increase a person’s total lead exposure. The EPA estimates that drinking water can make up 20% or more of a person’s total exposure to lead. According to the EPA (www.epa.gov), children of any age are susceptible to the effects of lead, with children under the age of 6 being most at risk.

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) reports that the impact of lead exposure on children can be impacted by a variety of factors including age, nutrition, the source of exposure, length of time of the exposure, and other underlying health conditions.

Useful information:
Official statute language – https://revisor.mo.gov/main/OneSection.aspx?section=160.077&srch=y
Basic information about lead in drinking water https://www.epa.gov/ground-water-and-drinking-water/basic-information-about-lead-drinking-water

Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services https://health.mo.gov/living/environment/lead/publications.php

Drinking Water Sample Results.pdf

Eldon School’s Lead Testing Program

The following Sampling and Analysis Plan has been developed in compliance with the State of Missouri Senate Bill Number 681, also known as the “Get the Lead Out of School Drinking Water Act” and herein referred to as SB681. This plan is developed to comply with section SB681 section 160.011 part 4 (b).  Although this plan is intended to provide the framework for sampling, analysis, communication and reporting, modifications to this plan may be made due to field considerations and additional information if made available. For any additional questions, please feel free to call Eldon Board of Education Office at 573-392-8000.

Eldon School District’s Water Treatment Sampling and Analysis Plan

Proposition Mustangs Passed!

Proposition Mustangs passed with 81% voter approval!

Thank you for your support of our school bond issue. Your contribution played a crucial role in ensuring that our schools have the resources they need to provide our children with a top-quality education.
It is heartwarming to know that we have a community that cares deeply about the future of our children and is willing to invest in it. Your generosity and commitment to our schools are truly appreciated!
-Matt Davis