Norman’s Washington Elementary School notified of lead exceedance

NORMAN, OK — The Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) notified Washington
Elementary in Norman, Oklahoma, of a lead and copper exceedance in one classroom
sink. Five samples were taken during the routine sampling event with only one
exceeding 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.
This exceedance 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.
For more information on lead and copper in drinking water, please visit:
http://deq.state.ok.us/mainlinks/media/leadindrinkingwater.html.