Five water fountains are off-limits at West-Oak High

Five water fountains at the West-Oak High School have been closed, after test samples revealed lead amounts slightly higher than recommended “actionable” levels set by a program called Lead Testing in Schools and Child Care Centers.  Oconee Schools say the district is one of the first in the state to take part in a voluntary DHEC program, funded by the EPA.  Tests were conducted between December 2022 and January 2023 at all seven Oconee schools built before 1986, the year that Congress amended the Safe Drinking Water Act to forbid pipes, solder or flux that are not “lead free” in public water systems or plumbing in facilities providing water for human consumption.  The Oconee district released this statement:  “Those fountains (the five at West-Oak) were immediately closed and will remain closed until they have been replaced with new fixtures and have been retested.  In addition, all buildings involved in the program will begin proactive ‘flushing’ of water taps used for drinking and cooking….”