CHAMPION TWP., Ohio - Another school system in Trumbull County is taking measures to deal with higher than acceptable levels of lead discovered in some water samples.

Champion Local School Superintendent Pamela Hood has notified parents that testing by Cardinal Environmental Laboratories determined that high lead levels were found in a kitchen sink at Central Elementary School; a sink in the former Home Economics classroom at Champion Middle School; a sink at the Champion High School art room; and the water meter main line coming into the High School.

The advisory issued by the schools did not reveal the amount of lead in the samples in parts per billion.

The district says that the water line for each of the three sink faucets have been disconnected.

The Trumbull County Health Department has advised the district to conduct a five minute flush of the high school line before each school day.  School officials report that after the flush, water tests show a satisfactory reading.

School officials say they are looking for a permanent way to solve high lead levels in the high school water line.

Water was tested at all school buildings and the athletic complex. The school reports that all drinking fountains received a satisfactory report.

According to the school, there are thirteen more locations to be tested in the district, including the athletic stadium.  Concession stands will be tested before opening.

Once the results are in, school officials say they will be made public.

Anyone with questions is being advised to contact Superintendent Pamela Hood at 330-847-2338, or at pamela.hood@neomin.org.

Schools and governments have been testing water supplies in buildings since the discovery of high lead levels in the village of Sebring and Flint, Michigan.

Last week, the Labrae School District announced that high levels of lead were found in several drinking fountains at Bascom Elementary School in Leavittsburg. The district is taking steps including flushing lines and allowing students to bring bottled water to class.

The Ohio Department of Health and the U.S. EPA continue to identify 15 parts per billion (ppb) as the action level for lead in drinking water. Pregnant women and children should not consume water that has tested above 15 ppb.

SCHOOL PARAMETERS FOR DRINKING WATER

Testing Level in Parts per Billion

Above 15ppb:

Pregnant women and children should not drink the water Remove fixture or source (e.g., fountain, faucet)

Non-detectable levels to 15 ppb:

Minimize exposure: Filter appropriately, flush, use cold water, remove fixture or source

Non-detectable levels:

No action needed

To minimize lead exposure in residential and school settings, homeowners and school personnel are encouraged to explore and address all possible sources of lead, including:

Lead pipes in plumbing: Dull gray in color and will appear shiny when scratched. Banned since 1986 and not widely used since the 1930s.

Copper pipes joined by lead solder: Solder will be dull gray in color and will appear shiny when scratched. Banned since 1986 and many communities banned prior to 1986.

Brass pipes, faucets, fittings and valves: May contain alloys of lead.

Sediments in screens on faucets: Debris from plumbing can collect on screens and may contain lead.

Water service line to residences and schools made of lead: Pipes that carry water from the municipal water system main to residences and schools may contain lead.

Water fountains in schools may contain lead parts: Specific brands of water fountains contain lead parts or have lead lined water tanks. Since 1988, it has been mandated that water fountains be lead free but older schools may have outdated models