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Facts about Lead Testing in SCS Schools
When did testing happen?
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All SGS-managed schools were testing during the recent fall break, October 14-18.
Approximately 3,500 total samples were taken , including faucets, drinking fountains , and ice
machines.

How often does the District conduct lead testing?
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SCS last tested schools in 2017, when it was not a State requirement. We conducted the
tests proactively at that time. Based on results, we took the same corrective action plan that
will occur with the currently impacted schools.
Going forward, based on the new State requirement, SCS will test every two years .

What are the results?
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As of today, approximately 2,300 results have been returned , with 39 samples testing above
the 1% EPA threshold.
The overwhelming majority of our schools showed minimal to no traces of lead in any
fountains or water sources. Of the initial test results from 165 locations, 10 SCS schools
(see below) had results that were approximately 1% above the EPA threshold in one or
more specific water sources. All water sources in these schools are not impacted.

What is the source of the lead?
• While the source of all current samples are still being verified, results of the testing in 2017
revealed that the source of lead was due to the fountain uniUequipment and not pipes within
the school.
What is our corrective action plan?
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All impacted sources have been shut off and immediately removed from use, and they do
not have any effect on any other fountains or water sources in the building.
The SCS Risk Management team will access each water source to determine whether
further corrective action will be taken , and the team will oversee the retesting of each water
source within 90 days of these corrective actions.
Additionally, all affected drinking water sources will remain out of use until subsequent
retesting confirms they meets the State standards.

What's the impact?
• . While these individual fountains are being taken out of service, all other active water
sources in these schools are still available and safe for use.

 How did the District communicate the testing and results?
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Principals were notified prior to the testing on October 11 .
Once the first round of results were returned on October 31 , in compliance with State law,
SCS notified the State Health Department, TDOC, TDOE, local health department and
Shelby County Schools Board of Education.
The State provides a five-day window to notify families once final results are received .
Within the approved timeframe, and while awaiting the remaining results, SCS notified
families at schools involved in the initial results on November 6.

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