Photo by Amber Wilkie

D.C. is implementing a more rigorous policy for lead tests on drinking water sources in public schools and recreation centers. Based on a report released last week by the American Academy of Pediatrics, the District’s current standards for water purity are not high enough, according to a release from Mayor Muriel Bowser’s office.

The report’s authors write that officials should take action when drinking water contains more than 1 part-per-billion (PPB) of lead. Up until this point, the Department of General Services was applying filters or taking sources of out operation when water levels tested at or above 15 PPB, which are regulations required by the Environmental Protection Agency.

Last October, during the Department of General Service’s annual testing of water sources for DCPS, officials found that 17 water sources in 12 schools (out of 113) had high levels of lead based on EPA’s guidelines.

The new policy, which will use the 1 PPB standard, will cost the city nearly $2 million at the onset. This will include remedying contaminated water in schools, recreation centers, and libraries by the end of this year. After this cycle, the city expects an annual cost of $1.5 million for testing, maintenance, and supplies for schools and recreation centers.

While tests show that the city’s overall lead levels are historically low, DC Water released a map earlier this month to help homeowners locate contaminated pipes in or outside of their residences. If property owners want to replace their portion of the lines, the agency will pay to replace the public side.

This morning, Deputy City Administrator Kevin Donahue is expected to announce the new policy for schools and recreation centers at an oversight hearing on the testing of lead levels in public facilities.