CCSD voluntarily testing water infrastructure in schools

Charleston County School District (CCSD) has taken the initiative to test all schools’ drinking water for the possible presence of lead in internal plumbing systems as part of the district’s commitment to providing a safe and healthy environment for all students.

“Even though South Carolina schools are not required to test drinking water for lead content, it is recommended by federal and state regulators, and by water utility professionals,” explained Ron Kramps, CCSD Associate of Facilities Management. “It is clearly in the best interests of our students and staff that we take the extra step for their health and safety. We have and will continue to respond immediately with corrective action, which may involve replacing older fixtures, adding filters where necessary, or flushing programs.”

The testing program was developed to meet the state’s established drinking water standards, with consultation from the local municipal water systems and published guidance provided by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the American Water Works Association.

“State and federal law doesn’t mandate water testing in schools. I commend the Charleston County School District for its proactive approach of testing school water,” said J. Routt Reigart, M.D., MUSC professor emeritus of pediatrics. Reigart has nearly 50 years of experience investigating and treating lead exposure in children.