Water Testing Program for District Facilities

Ministry of Education and Child Care Requirement

In 2016, the Ministry of Education and Child Care mandated water lead content testing on all school district facilities. The requirement was to test all school district facilities once every 3 years, with a minimum of 1/3 of the school facilities in a school district’s inventory being tested each year. The results are submitted to Fraser Health and the Ministry of Education and Child Care, and appropriate mitigation strategies, including plumbing upgrades and flushing regimes, are put in place where elevated levels of lead are found.

SD42 Water Testing Program

In the 2024/25 school year, the school district updated its water testing program by adjusting the number of drinking water sources in its facilities. This new water testing strategy, which is also implemented in a number of neighbouring districts, ensures a more streamlined testing schedule, limiting annual testing only to water sources that are being used. Each facility will also have at least one designated water dispensing station, with the goal of increasing this number over time.

Water sources that are designated for drinking are marked with a “Drinking Water” sticker; water sources that are not included in the testing program are marked with a “Not for Drinking” sticker. Adjustments to designated drinking water locations may be made to meet any emerging needs and ensure easy access to safe drinking water across all our schools.

At the elementary level, staff will review the new labeling system with students at the beginning of each school year to ensure that all students understand which water sources they can use for drinking.

The school district has a limited number of drinking water sources that require a 2-minute morning flush to ensure water quality. These are marked with a “2-Minute Morning Flush” sticker. The flushing process is completed by staff in the morning before use and is documented to maintain compliance and accountability. The 2-minute morning flush is a short-term measure, and the facilities department will prioritize upgrades to these water sources as a more permanent solution.

The 2024 Water Quality Report for school district facilities is available here. Certified results are reported in milligrams per litre (mg/L). The current guideline for lead in drinking water is a maximum acceptable concentration of 0.005 mg/L (5 parts per billion) in drinking water.

For additional information about water testing programs in B.C. school districts, visit the Ministry of Education and Child Care website at https://bit.ly/466CPuI.

Download poster for Water Testing Program

Frequently asked questions

What is the purpose of the water testing program?

The program aims to ensure that all district facilities provide safe and clean drinking water by regularly monitoring and addressing any potential contaminants.

Why did the school district change its water testing program?

The school district has updated its water testing strategy to focus only on water sources that are actively used for drinking or food preparation. This ensures that testing efforts are targeted where they are most relevant, aligning with best practices and reducing unnecessary testing of sources not intended for drinking. This streamlined approach supports efficient management of resources while maintaining our commitment to water quality and safety. Similar strategies have already been successfully implemented in several neighbouring districts.

Which facilities are included in the testing?

All schools and administrative buildings within the Maple Ridge – Pitt Meadows School District 42 are part of the testing program.

How often is the water tested?

Water testing is conducted annually to comply with health guidelines and to ensure ongoing water quality.

School districts are required to test all district facilities once every 3 years, with a minimum of 1/3 of the school facilities in a school district’s inventory being tested each year. Results are submitted to Fraser Health and the Ministry of Education and Child Care, and appropriate mitigation strategies, including plumbing upgrades and flushing regimes, are put in place where elevated levels of lead are found.

For additional information about water testing programs in B.C. school districts, visit the Ministry of Education and Child Care website at https://bit.ly/466CPuI.

What does the “Not for Drinking” sticker mean? Is the water unsafe?

The “Not for Drinking” sticker indicates that this water source was designated by the school as not intended for drinking or food preparation and is therefore not included in the district’s annual water testing program. These sources are typically intended for purposes such as cleaning or handwashing.

This does not mean the water is unsafe. Instead, it reflects the school’s decision to exclude these sources from the annual testing program, focusing only on those designated for drinking.

Why do some water sources have a 2-minute morning flush sticker?

Some water sources may require a 2-minute flush to ensure consistent water quality. In certain cases, this may be because the source is used infrequently (e.g. nurse’s office), leading to stagnant water in the pipes. In other cases, the need for a flush may be related to the current plumbing infrastructure, which could be improved through future upgrades. In locations where plumbing upgrades would eliminate the need for a flush, the morning flush is a short-term measure, as the facilities department prioritizes upgrades to ensure a more permanent solution. These stickers reflect a proactive approach to maintaining safe drinking water while working toward long-term improvements where needed.

Why is water testing conducted annually?

Water quality can change over time due to factors such as variations in water usage and/or aging plumbing infrastructure. Annual testing allows us to monitor these changes and ensure that drinking water sources consistently meet or exceed safety standards.

Where can I find more information about water testing programs in B.C. school districts?

For additional information about water testing programs in B.C. school districts, visit the Ministry of Education and Child Care website at https://bit.ly/466CPuI.