The water in school drinking fountains is safe to drink.

Recent test of water in drinking fountains in Newberg Public Schools indicate that lead levels meet federal guidelines. The school district physical plant made the announcement after receiving laboratory reports of tests in 15 different school facilities.

The school district conducted the tests to make sure that drinking water in the school system is safe for students and staff. Water with high lead levels can contribute to negative health effects, especially in young children.

Water samples taken in June were sent to Alexin Analytical Laboratories in Tigard for analysis. The results were received by the school district this week.

In addition to drinking water, samples were taken from sinks in classrooms and kitchens across the district. Moderate levels of lead were detected in two classroom sinks at Newberg High School and kitchen sinks at Mountain View Middle School and Mabel Rush Elementary School. Water has been turned off to those sinks until lead levels are reduced says Risk Management and Custodial Supervisor Scott Woods. He says that physical plant staff are replacing faucets and retesting water samples. If additional mitigation is required, staff will examine plumbing.

The school district will test school drinking water for lead on a rotating basis as part of the district’s Healthy School Plan, according to Woods. The Oregon State Board of Education recently approved new regulations for schools aimed at ensuring safe and healthy school facilities. However, it does not require school districts to test for lead.