Water Quality Testing Results

Safe Drinking Water for Our Students and Staff

The health, safety and well-being of our students and staff are important to us. Olympia School District conducts state-required testing of drinking water outlets at eligible schools in partnership with the Washington State Department of Health.

Testing helps identify drinking water outlets with elevated lead levels so the district can take appropriate action to reduce potential exposure. Buildings built in 2016 or later, or with all plumbing replaced in 2016 or later, are not subject to this testing requirement.

Test results and information about any actions taken in response to elevated results are posted on this page.

Lead can enter drinking water through plumbing materials, particularly in older or infrequently used fixtures. Testing helps identify outlets that may contribute to lead exposure.

When an elevated result is identified, the district takes appropriate action based on the test result and state guidance. This may include taking an outlet out of service, additional flushing or other interim measures, or replacing the fixture.

Washington state law requires public schools built, or with all plumbing replaced, before 2016 to test drinking water outlets for lead. Schools must retest at least every five years.

The district’s testing builds on previous water-quality testing and monitoring efforts and follows Washington state requirements for drinking water in schools.

Washington state uses protective standards for drinking water in schools because children are particularly vulnerable to the effects of lead exposure.

For school drinking water outlets:

• Results greater than 5 parts per billion (ppb) are considered elevated.
• Any outlet testing above 15 ppb must be taken out of service immediately.

When an elevated result is identified, Olympia School District follows state guidance to determine the appropriate next steps.

Olympia School District posts drinking water test results below as they are received and reviewed.

We will continue to keep students, families, staff and our community informed about testing results and any actions taken in response to elevated results.

Lead exposure can come from a variety of environmental sources, including paint, dust, soil, air, food and drinking water.

Washington’s standards for schools are intended to help identify and address potential concerns early and support healthy learning environments for students and staff.

Families who have questions or concerns about lead exposure or their student’s health should contact their health care provider.