Water testing for lead and copper

Under the recommendations made to schools in August of 2016 by the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ), the Birmingham Public Schools (BPS) decided on a plan to test all water sources in all of our buildings.

Although the recommendations, as published, indicate the testing of “each tap or fixture providing water for drinking or for food preparation,” BPS has elected to test every water source, regardless of fixture intent (i.e. custodial floor sinks, eye wash stations, science prep sinks, et al).

The MDEQ publication of August 2016 also changed, as well as added, to the standard water testing criteria by lowering the lead content and adding a copper test.

• The lead action level in water is 0.015 milligrams per liter (also known as 15 parts per billion).  Prior to this publication the level was at 0.02 mg/L (20 ppb).
• The copper action level is 1.3 mg/L (1,300 ppb).  Prior to this publication there was no recommendation for the testing of copper levels in water.

The August 1, 2016 memo from the MDEQ is linked here:

MDEQ Guidance on Drinking Water Sampling for Lead and Copper at Schools and Daycares on Community Water Supplies.

During August through October there was discussion with the MDEQ, schools, and ISDs regarding the procedures, requirements and directions of the testing memo. The Oakland ISD produced a Request for Proposal (RFP) for these sample procurement and testing services. The results of that RFP were made available for use to any/all school districts in the state of Michigan.

In November and December of 2016 the district employed TRACE Analytical to secure water samples at each of our district buildings. All sampling was done in accordance with the recommendations/guidelines as provided in the MDEQ guidance document. All testing was done in a State of Michigan certified testing laboratory.

Compliance Statement for the MDE/MDEQ grant eligibility program.

As of November 2017, Birmingham Public Schools has completed the full inventory, testing, remediation, repair, and labeling of all identified water sources in the district.  In the course of this program 2097 individual testable potential drinking water sources were identified and addressed. Individual school results and testing results are below.

The district is deciding on how to proceed with continued testing on a long range planning basis within the parameters of pending legislation, funding, equipent availability, and EPA / MDEQ directives.

As testing results are returned to the district we are addressing issues and concern areas with each building individually. The district is notifying parents directly via each school and through the BPS Office of Communications and Family Engagement. Results for each building will also be posted here.

Berkshire Middle School

• District Fixture Report - Updated 8-24-17
• TRACE Analytical Report 
• TRACE Analytical Report 2
• TRACE Analytical Report 3
• TRACE Analytical Report 4
• TRACE Analytical Report 5

Beverly Elementary

 Bingham Farms Elementary

 Derby Middle School

 Education and Administration Center (EAC)

 Greenfield Elementary School

 Groves High School

 Harlan Elementary

 Meadowlake Center

 Midvale Center

 Operations Building

 Pembroke Elementary

 Pierce Elementary

 Quarton Elementary

 Seaholm High School