Water Quality Testing

Water Quality

  • Water Quality Testing 

    ACPS continues to strive to provide our students and staff with a high-quality learning environment and to this end has been conducting water quality testing in all our facilities. Please be assured that the tests that are being carried out are part of a routine testing cycle to ensure the safety of students and staff. ACPS regularly carries out routine water quality testing in its facilities in compliance with state laws. Testing is carried out by contractors who follow all established protocols.

    The Virginia legislature has approved new standards for lead levels that became effective on July 1, 2020. This new law sets the maximum acceptable lead level at 10 parts per billion or 0.010 mg/L for school drinking sources. This is a change from the previously acceptable level of 0.015 mg/L. The actionable level for copper remains at 1.3 mg/L.

    ACPS conducted water quality tests in 2016 and in the fall of 2019. At that time, Virginia followed the Environmental Protection Agency's recommendation for elevated levels of lead in water that were higher than they are now. The EPA action level prior to July 1, 2020 for lead was 0.015 mg/L. The actionable level copper in drinking water was and still is 1.3 mg/L.

    Higher than normal levels of lead or copper in water can be caused by the deterioration of the pipes or from the faucet itself. Lead was sometimes used in metal alloys to make fixtures prior to 1987.

    ACPS will continue to follow the same protocols using the new standards and when outlets are found to have higher levels than recommended they will be immediately taken out of use. They will remain out of use until the issue has been fixed and the outlet is retested and cleared. Lines will then be flushed and aerated and/or parts of, or whole units will be replaced. It is anticipated these efforts will solve the issue for most outlets. Once this work has been completed, the water is retested and ACPS collects follow-up samples to ensure the outlet's water remains within safe limits in the future.

    The process ACPS follows when elevated levels are detected is:

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    ACPS works closely with the Alexandria Health Department on health issues. Water testing will continue to be carried out throughout the school division and all reports made public on the ACPS website.

    If you have concerns about whether your child has lead in his/her body, you should have them tested at their pediatrician or family doctor. If you do not have a pediatrician or family doctor, call Neighborhood Health at 703-535-5568 to make an appointment.

    For more information about lead and lead exposure, please go to the Alexandria Health Department’s website, or visit the EPA's website.

    A full list of all results can be found below.

    Summer Retesting of Winter 2020 Results 

    Winter 2020 water test results that came back high were remediated and were retested prior to July 1, 2020. Due to COVID-19, testing for elevated results in the following two schools was not carried out by July 1, when the law for allowable lead levels in school drinking water changed from 15 parts per billion to 10 parts per billion. The actionable level for copper remains at 1.3 mg/L.

    John Adams Elementary School

    Of the 8 samples collected on 8/26/20; 5 outlets tested above the action level for lead and/or copper.

    Room 152 Left Sink (Sink)(Lead): 0.021 mg/L
    Room 152 Right Sink (Sink)(Lead): 0.023 mg/L
    Room 153 (Sink)(Lead): 0.054 mg/L
    Room 154 (Sink)(Copper): 2.660 mg/L (Lead): 0.555 mg/L - Copper and Lead elevated above at this Sink
    Room 138 (Sink)(Lead): 0.765 mg/L

    The fixtures in these 5 rooms will be replaced by October 2, 2020

     
    Early Childhood Center

    Of the 4 samples collected on 8/26/20; 4 outlets tested above the action level for lead.

    Room 121 Left Sink Bubbler (Bubbler)(Lead): 0.454 mg/L
    Room 121 Left Sink (Sink)(Lead): 0.658 mg/L
    Room 121 Right Sink (Sink)(Lead): 0.026 mg/L
    Room 121 Bathroom Sink (Sink) (Lead): 0.051 mg/L

    The fixtures/units in these 4 rooms will be replaced by October 2, 2020

    Once this work has been completed, the water will be retested and ACPS will collect follow-up samples to ensure it remains within safe limits in the future.

     

    George Washington Middle School

    The following outlets at George Washington Middle School were still elevated in July 2020.

    Room A335 (Sink)(copper): 0.131 mg/L

    Room A116 (Teacher’s desk sink)(lead): 0.024 mg/L

    Room A335 (Sink)(lead): 51.200 mg/L

    Given the change of allowable lead limits, the Office of Safety and Security conducted a review of previous water quality testing results at George Washington Middle School and at Douglas MacArthur on Taney Ave. to determine if there are any outlets that must now be deemed “elevated” and thus added to the remediation plan.  

    Review of George Washington Middle School:

    George Washington Middle School

    The following outlets at George Washington Middle School are elevated since the new law was applied.

    Of the 132 samples collected, the following 8 outlets tested above the actionable levels for copper and lead.

    Lead results above the VA action level of 0.10 mg/L:

    Room A136 (Sink 1)(lead): 0.012 mg/L

    Room A136 (Sink 2)(lead): 0.014 mg/L

    Room A239 (Sink)(lead): 0.013 mg/L

    Room C201 (Sink)(lead): 0.010 mg/L

    Room C203 (Sink)(lead): 0.010 mg/L

    Room A344 (Sink)(lead): 0.011 mg/L

    Room C111 (Sink 1)(lead): 0.010 mg/L

    Room C111 (Sink 2)(lead): 0.013 mg/L

     

    Douglas MacArthur on Taney Ave.

    The following outlets at Douglas MacArthur on Taney Ave. are elevated since the new law was applied.

    Of the 55 samples collected, 20 outlets tested above the actionable level for lead.

    Lead results above the VA action level of 0.10 mg/L:

    Hall (Water Fountain)(lead): 0.018 mg/L

    Room 1002D (Sink)(lead): 0.013 mg/L

    Room 1004A/B (Bubbler)(lead): 0.015 mg/L

    Room 1006A/B (Bubbler)(lead): 0.029 mg/L

    Room 1008A/B (Sink)(lead): 0.526 mg/L

    Room 1010 (Bubbler)(lead): 0.017 mg/L

    Room 1014 (Bubbler)(lead): 0.011 mg/L

    Room 1119 (Bubbler)(lead): 0.015 mg/L

    Room 1117 (Bubbler)(lead): 0.037 mg/L

    Room 1115 (Sink)(lead): 0.011 mg/L

    Room 1115 (Bubbler)(lead): 0.023 mg/L

    Room 1113 (Bubbler)(lead): 0.029 mg/L

    Room 1035E (Sink)(lead): 0.013 mg/L

    Room 1055 (Bubbler)(lead): 0.021 mg/L

    Room 1038 (Sink)(lead): 0.012 mg/L

    Room 1034A (Right Sink)(lead): 0.010 mg/L

    Room 1068 (Bubbler)(lead): 0.016 mg/L

    Room 1070 (Sink)(lead):  0.012 mg/L

    Room 1070 (Bubbler)(lead): 0.036 mg/L

    Room 1075 (Right Sink)(lead): 0.045 mg/L

     

    Water Quality Re-testing Winter 2020

    Early Childhood Center

    Four outlets were tested, three were retested after they were flushed and aerated. The three outlets retested remain at elevated levels. All outlets that continue to test at or over the limit for either copper or lead will be kept offline until they can be repaired. All outlets will be retested before they are brought back into use.                                                                                                                                                                      

    Room 121 (Water Fountain)(Bubbler)(lead):0.177 mg/L

    Room 121 (Bathroom)(lead):0.222 mg/L

    Room 121 (Sink 2)(lead):0.102 mg/L

    The EPA action level for lead is 0.015 mg/L

    Across from Room 121 (Water Bottle Filling Station) did not have elevated levels of lead or copper.

     

    George Mason  Elementary School

    No outlets came back with elevated results following remediation and retesting.

     

    John Adams Elementary School 

    Seven outlets were retested. Five outlets remain at elevated levels. All outlets that continue to test at or over the limit for either copper or lead will be kept offline until they can be repaired. All outlets will be retested before they are brought back into use.                                                                                                                                                                    

    Room 153 (Sink)(copper): 4.350 mg/L and 0.044 mg/L (lead)

    Room 154 (Sink)(copper): 11.400 mg/L and 0.508 (lead)

    Room 152 (Sink1)(lead): 0.015 and 0.068 (lead)

    Room 138 (Sink)(lead): 0.488

    Room 155 (Sink)(lead): 0.016

    The EPA action level for lead is 0.015 mg/L

    The EPA action level for copper is 1.3 mg/L.

    All outlets testing above the action level are sinks. No water fountains are showing elevated levels for lead or copper.

     

    George Washington Middle School

    Fifteen outlets were retested and 12 remain at elevated levels. All outlets that continue to test at or over the limit for either copper or lead will be kept offline until they can be repaired. All outlets will be retested before they are brought back into use.

    The following six outlets continue to have elevated levels of lead only:

    Room A129 (Sink)(lead): 0.037 mg/L

    Room A116 (Sink)(lead): 0.328 mg/L

    Room C203 (Sink)(lead): 0.029 mg/L

    Room A302 (Sink1)(lead): 0.022 mg/L

    Room A302 (Sink2)(lead): 0.016 mg/L

    Room A338 (Sink)(lead): 0.023 mg/L

    The following six outlets continue to have elevated levels of copper and lead:

    Room A124 (Sink)(copper): 1.720 mg/L and (lead): 0.230 mg/L

    Room A244 (Sink)(copper): 2.390 mg/L and (lead): 0.027 mg/L

    Room A 335 (Sink1)(copper): 2.850 mg/L and (lead): 0.162 mg/L

                       (Sink2)(copper): 1.300 mg/L and (lead): 0.057 mg/L

    Room C125 (Sink)(copper): 2.110 mg/L and (lead): 0.036 mg/L

    Room C131 (Sink)(copper): 1.420 mg/L and (lead):0.017 mg/L

     The EPA action level for lead is 0.015 mg/L

    The EPA action level for copper is 1.3 mg/L.

    On 2/20/20 an additional 24 outlets were tested for the first time and five had elevated levels of copper and/or lead. 

    Room A116 (Sink2)(copper): 3.280 mg/L and (lead): 0.082 mg/L

    Room A136 (Sink1)(copper): 2.910 mg/L and (lead): 0.188 mg/L

    Room C203 (Sink3)(lead): 0.021 mg/L

                      (Sink4)(lead): 0.039 mg/L

    Room C131 (Sink2)(lead): 0.130 mg/L

    All outlets testing above the action level are sinks. No water fountains are showing elevated levels for lead or copper.

     

    Francis C. Hammond Middle School 

    Seven outlets were retested. Two outlets remain at elevated levels. All outlets that continue to test at or over the limit for either copper or lead will be kept offline until they can be repaired. All outlets will be retested before they are brought back into use.

    Room E109 (Sink)(lead): 0.024 mg/L

    First Floor Custodial Closet (Sink)(lead): 0.019 mg/L

    The EPA action level for lead is 0.015 mg/L.

    On 2/28/20 Five additional outlets were tested for the first time and three had elevated levels of lead.

    Room E210 (LeftSink)(lead): 0.027 mg/L

                      (RightSink)(lead): 0.029 mg/L

    Room 211 (Sink4)(lead): 0.019 mg/L

    All outlets testing above the action level are sinks. No water fountains are showing elevated levels for lead or copper.

     

    Patrick Henry K-8 School

    Seven outlets were retested. Two outlets remain at elevated levels of copper. All outlets that continue to test at or over the limit for either copper or lead will be kept offline until they can be repaired. All outlets will be retested before they are brought back into use. 

    Room 309 (Sink2)(copper): 2.490 mg/L

    Room 101D (Sink)(copper): 5.300 mg/L

    The EPA action level for copper is 1.3 mg/L

    On 2/27/20 two additional outlets were tested and zero had elevated levels of copper or lead.

    All outlets testing above the action level are sinks. No water fountains are showing elevated levels for lead or copper.

     

    Water Quality Testing 2019

    T.C. Williams High School King Street Campus

    Of the 259 samples collected, four outlets tested above action levels for copper and lead.

    Room B218 (Sink 1)(copper): 1.590 mg/L

    Room B318 (Sink)(copper):1.360 mg/L

    The EPA action level for copper is 1.3 mg/L

    Room A126 (Teacher's desk sink) (lead): 0.024 mg/L

    Room B127 (Sink)(lead): 0.026 mg/L

    The EPA action level for lead is 0.015 mg/L

    Report T.C. Williams King Street Campus 1/31/20 (PDF)

     

    T.C. Williams High School Minnie Howard Campus

    Of the 121 samples collected, two outlets tested above action levels for copper and lead.

    Room 109 (Table 4 sink)(copper): 2.960 mg/L

    The EPA action level for copper is 1.3 mg/L

    Room 115 (Teacher's desk sink)(lead): 0.022 mg/L

    The EPA action level for lead is 0.015 mg/L

    Report for Minnie Howard Campus 1/31/20 (PDF)

     

      

    T.C. Williams High School Chance for Change

    Of the 13 samples collected, no outlets tested above action levels for copper or lead.

    Report Chance for Chance for Change 1/20/20 (PDF)

     

    Cora Kelly School for Math, Science and Technology 

    Of the 88 samples collected, three outlets tested above action levels for copper or lead.

    Room 13 (Water Fountain)(Bubbler)(copper): 1.990 mg/L

    The EPA action level for copper is 1.3 mg/L

    Room 8 (Water Fountain)(Bubbler)(lead):0.018 mg/L

    Room 2 (Sink)(lead):0.100 mg/L

    The EPA action level for lead is 0.015 mg/L

    Report for Cora Kelly 1/16/20 (PDF)

     

    Charles Barrett Elementary School 

    Of the 70 samples collected, three outlets tested above action levels for copper or lead.

    Room 223 (Closet Sink)(lead): 0.022 mg/L

    Multipurpose Room (Sink)(lead):0.019 mg/L

    Room 301 (Sink)(lead):0.016 mg/L

    The EPA action level for lead is 0.015 mg/L

    Report for Charles Barrett 1/29/20 (PDF)

     

    Douglas MacArthur Elementary School 

    Of the 71 samples collected, one outlet tested above action levels for copper or lead.

    Room 29 (Closet Sink)(lead): 0.055 mg/L

    The EPA action level for lead is 0.015 mg/L

    Report for Douglas MacArthur 1/29/20 (PDF)

     

    Early Childhood Center 

    Of the 96 samples collected, three outlets tested above action levels for copper or lead.

    Room 121 (Sink 2)(lead): 0.015 mg/L

    Room 121 (Water Fountain)(Bubbler)(lead):0.023 mg/L

    Room 121 (Bathroom)(lead):0.030 mg/L

    The EPA action level for lead is 0.015 mg/L

    Report for Early Childhood Center 1/14/20 (PDF)

     

    Ferdinand T. Day Elementary School 

    Of the 99 samples collected, two outlets tested above action levels for copper and lead.

    Kitchen (Handwashing Sink)(copper): 2.980 mg/L

    The EPA action level for copper is 1.3 mg/L

    Room 420 (Sink)(lead): 0.019 mg/L

    The EPA action level for lead is 0.015 mg/L

    Report for Ferdinand T. Day 1/12/20 (PDF)

     

    Francis C. Hammond Middle School 

    Of the 72 samples collected, seven outlets tested above action levels for copper and lead.

    Room E109 (Sink)(lead): 0.020 mg/L

    Room E211 (Sink 1)(lead): 0.017 mg/L

    Room E211 (Sink 2)(lead): 0.023 mg/L

    Room E211 (Sink 3)(lead): 0.023 mg/L

    Boys Locker Room (Closet)(lead):0.033 mg/L

    First Floor Custodial (Closet sink)(lead):0.119 mg/L

    Clinic (lead):0.104 mg/L

    The EPA action level for lead is 0.015 mg/L

    Report for Francis Hammond 1/6/20 (PDF)

     

    George Mason  Elementary School

    Of the 58 samples collected, one outlet tested above the action level for lead.

    Room 18 (Sink)(Lead): 0.035 mg/L

    The EPA action level of 0.015 mg/L.

    Report for George Mason Elementary School 12/24/19 (PDF)

     

    George Washington Middle School 

    Of the 132 samples collected, 15 outlets tested above action levels for copper and lead.

    Room A244 (Sink)(copper): 2.850 mg/L

    Room A335 (Sink 1)(copper): 5.170 mg/L

    Room A335 (Sink 2)(copper):1.410 mg/L

    Restroom in A Hallway (Sink)(copper):1.360 mg/L

    Cafeteria Handwashing (Sink)(copper): 3.050 mg/L

    The EPA action level for copper is 1.3 mg/L

    Room A129 (Sink)(lead): 0.022 mg/L

    Room A124 (Sink)(lead): 0.026 mg/L

    Room A116 (Sink)(lead): 0.015 mg/L

    Room C203 (Sink)(lead): 0.028 mg/L

    Room A302 (Sink 1)(lead): 0.023 mg/L

    Room A302 (Sink 2)(lead): 0.109 mg/L

    Room A335 (Sink 1)(lead):0.237 mg/L

    Room A335 (Sink 2)(lead):0.373 mg/L

    Room A338 (Sink)(lead): 0.029 mg/L

    Room C123 (Sink)(lead):0.028 mg/L

    Room C125 (Sink)(lead):0.017 mg/L

    Room C131 (Sink)(lead):0.018 mg/L

    The EPA action level for lead is 0.015 mg/L

    Report for George Washington 1/14/20 (PDF)

     

     

    James K. Polk Elementary School 

    Of the 82 samples collected, one outlet tested above action levels for copper and lead.

    Room 59 (Sink)(copper): 1.800 mg/L

    The EPA action level for copper is 1.3 mg/L

    Report for James Polk 1/21/20 (PDF)

     

    Jefferson-Houston PreK-8 IB School 

    Of the 130 samples collected, no outlets tested above action levels for copper and lead.

    The EPA action level for copper is 1.3 mg/L

    The EPA action level for lead is 0.015 mg/L

    Report for Jefferson Houston 1/20/20 (PDF)

     

    John Adams Elementary School 

    Of the 75 samples collected, seven outlets tested above action levels for copper and lead.

    Room 153 (Sink)(copper):2.740 mg/L

    Room 154 (Sink)(copper):5.960 mg/L

    Room 155 (Sink)(copper):5.230 mg/L

    The EPA action level for copper is 1.3 mg/L

    Room 152 (Sink 1)(lead): 0.020 mg/L

    Room 152 (Sink 2)(lead): 0.058 mg/L

    Room 126 (Water Fountain)(Bubbler)(lead): 0.027 mg/L

    Room 138 (Sink)(lead): 0.661 mg/L

    Room 155 (Sink)(lead): 3.51 mg/L

    Room 154 (Sink)(lead): 0.025 mg/L

    The EPA action level for lead is 0.015 mg/L

    Report For John Adams 1/7/20 (PDF)

     

    Lyles Crouch Traditional Academy 

    Of the 69 samples collected, no outlets tested above action levels for copper and lead.

    The EPA action level for copper is 1.3 mg/L

    The EPA action level for lead is 0.015 mg/L

    Report for Lyles-Crouch 1/23/20 (PDF)

     

    Matthew Maury Elementary School 

    Of the 61 samples collected, one outlets tested above action levels for copper and lead.

    Hallway (Water Fountain)(lead):0.055 mg/L

    The EPA action level for lead is 0.015 mg/L

    Report for Matthew Maury 1/24/20 (PDF)

     

    Mount Vernon Community School 

    Of the 45 samples collected, three outlets tested above action levels for copper or lead.

    Room 119 (Sink)(lead): 0.034 mg/L

    Room 233 (Sink)(lead):0.245 mg/L

    Room 321 (Water Fountain)(Bubbler)(lead):0.023 mg/L

    The EPA action level for lead is 0.015 mg/L

    Report for Mount Vernon 1/16/20 (PDF)

     

    Patrick Henry K-8 School 

    Of the 219 samples collected, seven outlets tested above action levels for copper and lead.

    Room 206 (Water Fountain)(Bubbler)(copper): 1.360 mg/L

    Room 309 (Sink 2)(copper): 1.790 mg/L

    Room 309 (Sink 5)(copper): 2.780 mg/L

    Room 315 (Sink 4)(copper): 2.250 mg/L

    Hallway Near 315 (Water Fountain)(copper): 1.410 mg/L

    Room 101D (Sink)(copper): 7.730 mg/L

    Room 227A (Sink)(copper): 1.410 mg/L

    The EPA action level for copper is 1.3 mg/L

    Report for Patrick Henry 1/30/20 (PDF)

     

    Samuel W. Tucker Elementary School 

    Of the 117 samples collected, no outlets tested above action levels for copper and lead.

    The EPA action level for copper is 1.3 mg/L

    The EPA action level for lead is 0.015 mg/L

    Report for Samuel Tucker 1/23/20 (PDF)

     

    William Ramsay Elementary School 

    Of the 102 samples collected, one outlet tested above action levels for copper and lead.

    Art Room (Sink 2)(Lead):0.100 mg/L

    The EPA action level for lead is 0.015 mg/L

    Report for William Ramsay 1/20/20 (PDF)

     

    Maintenance Facility 

    Of the 4 samples collected, no outlets tested above action levels for copper and lead.

    The EPA action level for copper is 1.3 mg/L

    The EPA action level for lead is 0.015 mg/L

    Report for Maintenance Facility 1/31/20 (PDF)

     

    Rowing Facility 

    Of the 4 samples collected, no outlets tested above action levels for copper and lead.

    The EPA action level for copper is 1.3 mg/L

    The EPA action level for lead is 0.015 mg/L

    Report for Rowing Facility 1/9/20 (PDF)

     

    Transportation Facility 

    Of the 4 samples collected, no outlets tested above action levels for copper and lead.

    The EPA action level for copper is 1.3 mg/L

    The EPA action level for lead is 0.015 mg/L

    Report for Transportation 1/29/20.pdf

     

    Central Office

    Of the 37 samples collected, one outlet tested above the action level for copper.

    Room 710 (Sink)(copper): 2.290 mg/L

    The EPA action level for copper is 1.3 mg/L

    Report for Central Office 1/29/20 (PDF)