In June 2022, Governor Polis signed into law Colorado House Bill 22-1358: Clean Water in Schools and Child Care Centers. This bill requires all licensed child care programs and public schools to test their drinking water for lead and take action when results show levels of lead at or above 5 parts per billion (ppb). The goal of this law is to lower children’s exposure to lead. To meet these requirements, Littleton Public Schools will be testing for lead at all water fixtures used for drinking and cooking in buildings with students in preschool through fifth grade beginning in January 2023.

Lead is a toxic metal especially harmful to young children. The degree of risk depends on the child’s total exposure to lead from all environmental sources – air, soil, dust, food, paint, consumer products, and water. Typically, old or corroded lead plumbing or old brass fixtures can contribute to increased lead levels in drinking water. If you are concerned about your child’s exposure you can have their blood tested. Please contact your health provider to learn more about testing your child’s blood for lead. For more information please visit: https://cdphe.colorado.gov/lead-testing.

Schools/child care facilities that have lead results in drinking water above 5 ppb must take action to reduce exposure to lead. When lead is found at or above 5 ppb, the fixture is shut off while a more long-term solution is underway. These solutions may include permanently removing the fixture from service, designating a fixture as “not for drinking”, replacing drinking water faucets or fountains, or installing filters. For the fixtures where lead is found below 5 ppb, we will follow routine practices to further lower potential exposure.

You can view the detailed sample results and remediation plans at the following link: https://cdphe.colorado.gov/environment/lead-safety/test-and-fix-water-for-kids. Sort the districts by selecting "Littleton 6" from the district dropdown list on the top right of the page, then find your school in the list of facilities underneath. Results may take up to 30 days to be posted on the webpage. Protecting the health and wellbeing of Colorado’s children is our top priority. If you have questions or concerns about your facility and the actions we are taking, please contact LPS Operations, Maintenance & Construction at 303-347-3434.

For more information on lead: https://cdphe.colorado.gov/lead

For Colorado lead testing requirements in drinking water: https://cdphe.colorado.gov/environment/lead-safety/test-and-fix-water-for-kids