Roanoke Rapids Graded School District is being proactive after a state report indicated higher than normal levels of lead in several sinks and one water fountain at Clara Hearne Pre-K Center as recommended by North Carolina Public Health. Water tests were conducted in March as part of a new requirement from the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services.
“RRGSD is committed to providing a safe and secure learning environment for our students. Upon receiving the findings of our water collection, we have immediately closed down all water sources to the sinks that were noted in the report. We want our families to know we’re doing everything we can as quickly as we can,” said Dain Butler, Superintendent.
The district also brought in portable hand washing stations and water dispensers while piping is being replaced. Water coming into the building is part of the public water supply provided by the Roanoke Rapids Sanitary District. The district is working with local plumbing contractors to replace piping from the street to the building and internal plumbing.
“Fortunately, with COVID-19 restrictions in place since last year, our water fountains have been cut off and students have been bringing their own water bottles to school. Additionally, many of the water-related activities that students typically participate in have also been suspended. Only our sinks have been used for handwashing,” said Lindsey Goble, Center Coordinator.
Once the piping is replaced, the district plans to retest the water at Clara Hearne Pre-K Center and will once again notify families of the findings.
“We take the health and safety of our students and staff very seriously and are committed to ensuring the water is completely safe,” Butler added.
The complete report is available at: https://www.cleanwaterforcarolinakids.org/data/center/42000176