Environmental Services
Environmental Services is responsible for the district's compliance with all environmental regulations and for providing assistance to schools and departments dealing with environmental and health-related issues.
Stormwater
"Stormwater runoff is generated when precipitation from rain and snowmelt events flows over land or impervious surfaces and does not percolate into the ground. As the runoff flows over the land or impervious surfaces (paved streets, parking lots, and building rooftops), it accumulates debris, chemicals, sediment or other pollutants that could adversely affect water quality if the runoff is discharged untreated." (EPA, 2010)
Water Sampling Information
Adams 12 Five Star Schools and the cities in which it serves are partnering in a proactive effort to sample drinking water in all Five Star school buildings to ensure it meets Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) guidelines for lead. Lead isn’t present in the water sent to our schools from the cities, but it can get into the water as it moves through lead-containing plumbing and fixtures. While we have no reason to believe our schools have elevated-levels of lead in their water supply, the safety of our students and staff is our top priority.
Starting in January 2017, we began sampling the water in drinking fountains, kitchen food prep sinks, lounge sinks and any other fixtures used for drinking water in all Five Star schools. The district plans to complete sampling of all schools* and results will be sent to families and posted online as they become available. All sampling work is expected to be completed by the end of the 2016-2017 school year.
*Please note that charter schools handle their own facilities and will need to be contacted directly about water sampling.
Letter to Parents and Guardians
Water Sampling Letter to Community
- Why is the district testing school drinking water for lead?
- How is lead measured?
- What action will the district take if lead is found?
- What do we know about lead and health risks?
- How will the district communicate school results?
- Does the district expect to find lead in schools' drinking water?
- How can I learn more about lead exposure?
- How can I get more information about this testing at my school?
Why is the district testing school drinking water for lead?
How is lead measured?
What action will the district take if lead is found?
What do we know about lead and health risks?
How will the district communicate school results?
Does the district expect to find lead in schools' drinking water?
How can I learn more about lead exposure?
How can I get more information about this testing at my school?
Water Sampling Results
Our Environmental Services team and staff from our Facilities department visited and tested water at all schools during the second semester of the 2016-2017 school year.