Allegheny Valley will replace more than a dozen faucets at Acmetonia Elementary School over December’s holiday break after several showed unacceptably high lead levels during testing earlier this year.
The faucets are part of several classroom hand sinks in the building, all of which have been equipped with signage reading “Not for drinking,” according to district Buildings and Grounds Supervisor Jay Zangrille.
No drinking water sources in the district showed concerning levels of lead, he said, but the sinks can still be used for cleaning or hand washing.
The source of the lead, he said, is solely from the faucets, not from internal piping or water systems.
Zangrille said the replacements were originally planned for Thanksgiving break, but the crews opted for the Christmas break, when they would have extra time.
Between costs for labor and parts, Zangrille said, the process would cost around $5,000.
In September, Allegheny Valley Superintendent Patrick Graczyk said six faucet fixtures — five at Acmetonia and one at Springdale Jr.-Sr. High School — had been replaced.
Since then, Zangrille said, the district has replaced a few more aging fixtures at the high school.
But next month’s replacements likely will be the last work required to avoid future issues, he said.
