Like other school districts across the province, starting September 2016 the Maple Ridge – Pitt Meadows School District worked with the local health authority to conduct district-wide testing of water quality at all school facilities. The tests, which were processed and evaluated by an independent lab, were designed to detect potentially elevated levels of lead at these water sources.
With the exception of six sinks at the Garibaldi Secondary shop area, all tested water sources in the district provided good water quality without flushing. In the shop area, all six water sources provided good quality water after flushing, but showed elevated lead levels prior to the flush. Because the six sinks are not well used, we have furnished them as an interim solution with a sign advising the user to flush for two minutes prior to use. As a long-term solution, both the faucets and the plumbing at these water sources will be replaced.
We are committed to ensuring that all our schools continue to have access to clean water, and will be conducting these tests on an annual basis to monitor results.