Originally Published to the Morning Call

Introduction

A recent report from the environmental advocacy group PennEnvironment has raised serious concerns about the Bethlehem Area School District’s (BASD) efforts to protect its students from lead-contaminated drinking water. The report, “Lead in School Drinking Water,” criticizes BASD and other districts across Pennsylvania for not doing enough to ensure safe drinking water for students. The findings have sparked a call for greater transparency, increased testing, and more proactive measures to address this public health risk.

Understanding the Lead Contamination Issue

Lead is a toxic metal that can cause severe health problems, particularly in children. It is especially harmful to children under six, whose developing bodies and brains are more susceptible to its effects. Even low levels of lead exposure can lead to cognitive impairments, behavioral issues, and various other long-term health problems. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), there is no safe level of lead in drinking water, and exposure to lead, even at low levels, can cause irreversible damage.

The lead issue arises primarily from old pipes and plumbing fixtures that leach lead into the water supply. In schools, this problem is exacerbated by the intermittent use of water fountains and sinks, which can cause lead to accumulate to dangerous levels. Given these risks, ensuring the safety of drinking water in schools is critical to protecting children’s health and well-being.

Findings from the PennEnvironment Report

The PennEnvironment report highlights several concerning findings regarding BASD’s handling of lead in school drinking water:

1. Infrequent Testing: The report indicates that BASD did not conduct regular testing for lead in its schools, with some years passing without any testing. In some instances, the district did not discuss lead testing or results in public meetings, reducing transparency and public awareness.
2. Limited Testing Scope: When testing did occur, BASD reportedly tested only a few water outlets per school, which PennEnvironment argues is insufficient to provide a comprehensive assessment of the water quality across the district’s facilities.
3. Transparency Issues: PennEnvironment also criticized BASD for making lead testing results difficult to find, only publishing them within school board meeting minutes. This practice has made it challenging for parents and community members to stay informed about potential lead exposure risks.

These findings suggest a need for BASD to adopt a more rigorous and transparent approach to lead testing and communication with the public.

Community Reaction and Expert Opinions

The report has prompted strong reactions from local officials and public health experts. Tara Zrinski, Northampton County controller, expressed her concerns as both a parent and a taxpayer. She emphasized the need for greater accountability and transparency from the school district, stating, “I want a letter sent home, just like they tell me what my son’s test scores are or when he’s absent from school. I want that letter sent home with an understanding of how much lead is in the water and if anything was found, how it will be remediated.”

Public health experts like Ruth McDermott-Levy, a professor at Villanova University, also weighed in, highlighting the serious health risks associated with lead exposure in children. She noted the irony that children come to school to learn but could be exposed to a neurotoxin that affects their ability to learn.

Bethlehem Area School District’s Response

In response to the criticism, BASD has issued a statement on its website, asserting its commitment to student safety and compliance with state laws. According to the district, it proactively tested its water sources for lead even before the passage of Act 39 of 2018, which mandated annual testing or discussion of lead issues in schools. Since 2019, BASD claims to have taken over 600 water samples from various facilities, including schools, and has only identified two samples that exceeded the EPA’s action level of 15 parts per billion.

BASD has committed to continuing its testing efforts in accordance with Act 39 of 2018 and ensuring that all drinking water sources are safe for students and staff. The district has also shared the link to its water testing results from 2023, which showed only one water fountain at East Hills Middle School with high lead levels, and noted that this fountain has been closed for further investigation.

Recommendations for Improvement

To address the shortcomings identified in the report, PennEnvironment and public health advocates recommend several actions:

1. Implement Filter-First Programs: Installing lead-filtering hydration stations and replacing old drinking fountains with modern alternatives that can remove lead from the water.
2. Increase Testing Frequency: Conducting more frequent and comprehensive testing of all drinking water sources in schools to ensure ongoing safety.
3. Enhance Transparency and Communication: Improving communication with parents and the community by directly informing them about testing schedules, results, and any remediation efforts.
4. Legislative Action: Advocating for stronger state laws that mandate regular lead testing and the use of modern water filtration systems in all school districts.

The Need for Stronger Policies and Proactive Measures

While BASD has taken steps to address lead in school drinking water, the PennEnvironment report underscores the need for more robust measures to protect students’ health. The report calls for a statewide policy shift towards mandatory, frequent testing and proactive installation of lead-removal systems in schools. This aligns with the mission of the Pennsylvania Integrity Network (PIN), which advocates for accountability, transparency, and the protection of public health.

Conclusion

The findings from PennEnvironment’s report highlight significant gaps in the current approach to ensuring safe drinking water in schools, particularly in the Bethlehem Area School District. While BASD has made efforts to comply with state laws, there is a clear need for more comprehensive, proactive measures to protect students from lead exposure. As the community and public health advocates call for stronger protections, the Pennsylvania Integrity Network will continue to push for transparency, accountability, and policies that prioritize the health and safety of all students.

By staying informed and advocating for change, parents, educators, and community members can help ensure that every student in Pennsylvania has access to safe, clean drinking water in their schools.