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Important Water Testing Information

Mark Bodwell

December 13, 2022

West Bridgewater Families and Staff,

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We wanted to provide you with some important information about water test results in the schools.  In June 2022, as part of a regularly scheduled testing plan required by the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) the West Bridgewater Water Department was required to test the water at the schools for Lead and Copper. Out of an abundance of caution, they opted to test all of our Schools where only two were required.  Water testing was done at kitchen sinks and at water bubblers at the Middle/Senior High School, Howard School, Rose L MacDonald School, and Spring Street School.

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The lowest detectable level of lead that a lab can actually detect is 0.001 mg/L or 1 parts per billion (ppb).  MassDEP, out of an abundance of caution has set anything over this as an Action Level 0.001 mg/L or 1 parts per billion.  The actual Maximum Contaminant level for Lead is 0.015 mg/L or 15 parts per billion (ppb).  

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On December 7, 2022, the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) notified the West Bridgewater Water Department that we are within the Action Level for lead at two of the schools.  Copper levels did not exceed the Massachusetts and federal Action Level requirements. MassDEP requires that if there is any detection above 0.001 mg/L or 1 part per billion, action must be taken.

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When the schools were notified by the Water Department we immediately discussed the testing results and discussed remediation plans with the Water Department Superintendent, building principals, Director of Buildings and Grounds, Food Service Director, and Business Manager.  As always the safety of our students and staff is our top priority.

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At the Rose L McDonald School, a water bubbler tested at 0.003 mg/L or 3 parts per billion.  This is above the Action Level threshold of 1 part per billion, but well below the Maximum Contaminant Level of 15 parts per billion.  When notified the schools immediately took all of the water bubblers at the Rose L MacDonald School out of service.  The district is looking for filters that can be installed on the water bubblers to further address the issue.

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At the Howard School, a kitchen sink tested at 0.003 mg/L or 3 parts per billion.   This is above the Action Level of 1 part per billion but well below the Maximum Contaminant Level of 15 parts per billion.  We have instituted a daily flushing program which is a MassDEP-approved remediation.

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If you have any questions please feel free to contact me.

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Sincerely,

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Mark Bodwell
West Bridgewater Superintendent

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For more information on Lead and Copper check out the Mass.gov links:

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