Elevated water lead levels found in multiple Edmonds School District schools

Multiple schools in the Edmonds School District reported alarming lead levels in drinking water, with a sink at Sherwood Elementary measuring 323 parts per billion (ppb). This figure far exceeds state limits and is over 20 times the level prompting mandatory corrective action by the Environmental Protection Agency. State Rep. Gerry Pollet, who sponsored legislation requiring lead testing in older schools, stressed the importance of thorough testing to protect children's health. The Edmonds School District plans to continue testing over the summer, as all schools tested so far have at least one water source needing remediation.

Parents reacted with concern upon learning of the results, particularly regarding the kindergarten classroom with the highest lead levels. Some have already scheduled visits with medical providers for lead testing for their children. Gift-Noelle Wango from the Snohomish Department of Health noted that while lead exposure is critical to address, drinking water is typically not the sole source of elevated blood lead levels in children. The district's proactive measures reflect a commitment to ensuring child health and safety amid these troubling findings.