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We are writing to let you know that Sanborn Regional Middle School recently completed testing for lead in drinking water. This is part of an ongoing effort related to New Hampshire’s House Bill 1421, which requires school and childcare facilities to test for lead in drinking water and to act when lead is found at levels at or above 5 parts per billion (ppb).

Lead is a toxic heavy metal that has a range of adverse health effects if inhaled or swallowed. Lead rarely occurs naturally in New Hampshire’s drinking water sources (groundwater or surface water) and typically enters drinking water due to the wearing away of piping, faucets, fixtures and other plumbing materials.

Because lead is tasteless, odorless, and colorless in drinking water, testing is the only way to learn whether lead is present. It is important to sample each faucet or water fountain that is used for drinking or food prep because test results can vary between locations.

During recent testing, we collected samples from 5 drinking water outlets (e.g., drinking fountains, classroom faucets, kitchen sinks), with 1 samples testing at or above 5 ppb, the level where action must be taken.