Improve School Water Quality After Extended Closures:

On behalf of the Northern Kentucky Water District and the Kentucky Division of Water, we would like to share some important information regarding the risk of lead in school water supplies after an extended closure.

When a building such as a school has been vacant over a period of time, even a long weekend, water sits in the plumbing of the building and water fountains. The longer the water is stagnant in the lines, the greater the chance of a decrease in water quality. If lead materials are present in the building plumbing, higher levels of lead can result from stagnation.

The following links provide ways to flush the plumbing system of school buildings. Performing these additional steps can help ensure that the drinking water in school buildings is safe for consumption. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Mary Carol Wagner, Water Quality Manager, at (859) 441-0482.

Here Are Some Additional Resources:

• EPA’s main page for lead in drinking water in schools and child care facilities
• Reference guide for schools that have their own water supply
• EPA’s 3Ts Toolkit for reducing lead in drinking water at schools
• Webinars for community water systems related to lead in schools and child care facilities

US EPA Child Care Facilities Extended Closures Fact Sheet
US EPA School’s Extended Closures Fact Sheet