Greenon finds unsafe levels of lead in water, school closure may be to blame

CLARK COUNTY — Greenon Local Schools are working with the Environmental Protection Agency after lead levels exceeding the federal and state action level were uncovered in some of the district’s water samples.

The unsafe levels were detected in a science lab sink faucet and a girls shower in the athletic building at the junior/senior school building, district spokeswoman Megan Anthony said in a statement.

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“Our understanding in conversation with the EPA is that some of these results may have been affected by standing water due to the mandated school closure from March to August,” Anthony said. “The faucets are currently closed and we are working with the EPA to create a flushing system.”

The water samples were taken on Aug. 11 and parents were notified in a letter from the district on Aug. 25.

Lead can cause serious health problems, especially for pregnant women and young children.

In addition to working with the EPA, the district also will be testing the water for corrosivity and developing and implementing corrosion treatment, the letter read.

Lead can typically enter the water as a result of corrosion, or wearing away, of materials containing lead in the water distribution system, the district also said.

Cox Media Group