Buncombe County Schools Detect Lead in Water Samples, Urges Safety Precautions for Residents

Buncombe County Schools Report Detectable Lead Levels in Water

Asheville, N.C. – In a concerning revelation, several schools and homes across Buncombe County have tested positive for detectable levels of lead in their water samples. This information, disclosed by Water Resources Spokesperson Clay Chandler, came during a daily briefing on the recovery progress from the recent storm Helene.

What Schools Are Affected?

During the briefing, Chandler shared that water samples from seven schools in the area showed lead contamination. The affected schools include:

• Oakley Elementary
• Sand Hill Elementary
• Charles C. Bell Elementary
• Glen Arden Elementary
• Lucy S. Herring Elementary
• Hall-Fletcher Elementary
• Odyssey Community School

Despite the alarming discovery, school and county officials have highlighted that no students have consumed tap water since classes resumed. Furthermore, all water fountains are currently out of use.

Steps Being Taken

To tackle the issue, county officials outlined the protective measures being put in place at the affected schools. These measures include the installation of National Sanitation Foundation (NSF) certified filters aimed at reducing lead levels and a thorough assessment of the plumbing systems to identify potential sources of lead exposure.

Importantly, the detected lead levels were attributed not to the water source itself but rather to older pipes owned by customers, many of which predate 1988. Therefore, homes with plumbing installed before this date are at a higher risk for lead contamination.

Recommendations for Residents

In light of these findings, officials have strongly recommended that residents use bottled water for drinking and cooking. For those who may opt to boil tap water, additional precautionary steps have been advised. Chandler explained, “If you’re going to boil this water for consumption and your plumbing was installed before 1988, it is a really good idea to flush whatever sink to gather this water for boiling for 30 seconds to 2 minutes or until you feel that temperature change.”

Monitoring and Future Actions

Chandler also mentioned that there were complications with providing corrosion control in the North Fork Reservoir for the first 19 days after the storm. He noted that this could have contributed to the spikes in lead levels recorded in homes and schools. Looking ahead, Water Resources plans to conduct re-sampling of the affected schools and private residences over the next few months. This will help to monitor progress and confirm the efficacy of the corrosion control treatments implemented.

Get Involved

Residents, especially those living in homes built before 1988, are encouraged to be proactive by participating in Asheville’s free lead and copper testing program. Those interested can request a testing kit or find more information on how to protect against lead exposure by contacting Water Resources at 828-259-5962 or emailing leadprevention@ashevillenc.gov. Additional resources are available on the official city website for lead awareness.

As the community grapples with this situation, staying informed and taking action will be vital for ensuring the safety of every resident, especially the children who rely on school water supplies.