Maine School Administrative District #49 
Office of the Superintendent of Schools
8 School Street
Fairfield, ME 04937
207-453-4200

November 14, 2016

Dear Clinton Elementary Parents:
The school recently conducted tests of water samples at Clinton Elementary and we
have received the results today. Overall results showed that water is within the federal
guidelines for a school water supply. However, some samples have shown cause for our
attention, concern and action. The first test was for lead. Samples taken inside the
building at sinks and fountains were well within EPA guidelines. However, an initial
sample taken at the main entrance showed 150 part per billion (ppb). The EPA limit
established 15 pbp for schools. Because of that reading, the school has shut off access
to drinking fountains and stopped the use of the water supply in cooking. Students will
be supplied through bottled water until all remedial steps have been completed and
subsequent testing samples are below the EPA limits. The water supply is safe for
handwashing. Staff will flush the lines before students arrive each morning as an
additional precaution to ensure that levels are completely safe.
The school also tested for copper. Only one sample showed above the EPA limit. That
sample was 1.5 while the EPA limit is 1.3. The fountain in question will be replaced.
Plumbers will be working at Clinton this week to remove and replace any fixtures or
piping that might contribute to elevated levels in either lead or copper.
The district will notify you of the results of testing after the corrective action has been
taken.

Sincerely,

Dean P. Baker
Superintendent of Schools

“Building Communities Through Education”