RSD/OPSB Lead Water Testing:
RSD and OPSB have worked with Material Management Inc. to design a risk
assessment of lead in school’s water. This assessment will initially test 10 schools
(3 OSPB and 7 RSD) to determine if any of the school’s water sources have lead
levels above the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) action level. Any samples
above the EPA’s action level will results in the additional testing of like-kind
buildings and fixtures.
Schools:
New/Renovated
Fannie C. Williams (East)
Mahalia Jackson (Central City)
McDonogh 42 (Gentilly)
Colton (Bywater)

Refurbished
Martin Luther King ES (9th ward)
Fischer ES (West Bank)
Live Oak (Uptown)
Gentilly Terrace (Gentilly)
Ben Franklin ES (Uptown)
Reed HS (East)

Timeline:
 Sampling will occur in September-October 2016
 Results will take 2 weeks from the day of sampling
Sampling Method: 10-15 samples per school (dependent on square footage and
water use)
 The city water system connection
 1 primary water fountain per floor
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1 primary water fountain in gym
1 primary water source in kitchen
Special considerations for Pre-Kindergarten Areas and Self Contained
Classrooms
6 random samples

Interventions:
 The EPA action level for lead in water is 15 Part per Billion (ppb)
o Any sample above 10 ppb will require resampling
 Water use will be restricted and all like kind systems tested for any result at
or above the EPA action level of 15 ppb
 A short term intervention plan will be created for each school
o Alternative drinking water stations
o Alternative hand washing stations
o Alternative cooking plans
 Long term interventions will be decided school by school
 Any samples above the EPA’s action level will results in the additional testing
of like-kind buildings and fixtures
1615 Poydras Street.Suite 400. New Orleans. LA 504.373.6200
www.rsdla.net

 Next Steps:
 Pre-procure alternative water sources (drinking/handwashing/cooking)
 Leadership and legal review of parent and school communications (pre and
post sampling)

1615 Poydras Street.Suite 400. New Orleans. LA 504.373.6200
www.rsdla.net