GRANBY — Lead levels in seven samples of drinking water at the Junior-Senior High School and the East Meadow Elementary School have been in an acceptable range for two consecutive weeks.
The lead had tested at levels higher than the 15 parts-per-billion threshold allowed by state standards.
The state Department of Environmental Protection will continue to require weekly testing until it is satisfied that the schools’ anti-corrosion system is working properly to keep the acidity level of the water down. That, in turn, inhibits lead from leaching out of pipes and fixtures.
“We want to see if this remain stable below the action level for a few more weeks and then we’ll have them do a full set of tests at 20 sample points,” said Michael Gorski, the western region director of the DEP.
If all those tests remain below the action level then Granby will return to testing the water twice a year, as is required for all schools in Massachusetts.
The most recent round of tests, on water drawn March 9, ranged from no detectable levels of lead in two bubblers to six parts per billion in one faucet in the high school.
Gorski praised the cooperation and the seriousness with which Granby officials dealt with the problem once it was brought to their attention.
“They brought in a very professional certified water operator and participated with the DEP in doing an inventory of all the taps and pipes,” said Gorski. “I think there is a lot more information in hand now than we had at the beginning of this experience so the School Committee is very well poised at this point in time to make some decisions about how to keep this under control.”
Eric Goldscheider can be reached at eric.goldscheider@gmail.com.