School Water Testing Pilot Program

The Louisiana Department of Health has launched a pilot program for testing drinking water on an annual basis at some elementary schools, in accordance with Act 632 of the 2018 Regular Session the State Legislature. The Department has chosen public schools with buildings that were constructed prior to 1986 or may otherwise be susceptible to drinking water contamination.

Story Map of Results

 

2018 Schools Tested

Barkdull Faulk Elementary School, Monroe

Bayou Blue Elementary School, Houma

Bernard Terrace Elementary School, Baton Rouge

Cherokee Elementary School, Alexandria

Covington Elementary School, Covington

Creswell Elementary School, Shreveport

Drew Elementary School, West Monroe

Dwight D. Eisenhower Academy of Global Studies, New Orleans

Harahan Elementary School, Harahan

Loranger Elementary School, Loranger

Prairie Elementary School, Lafayette

Prien Lake Elementary School, Lake Charles

2019 Schools Tested

Ferriday Lower Elementary School, Ferriday 

Gonzales Primary School, Gonzales

Griffin Middle, Lake Providence

Homer Elementary School, Homer

Kinder Elementary School, Kinder

Live Oak Elementary School, New Orleans

Palmetto Elementary School, Palmetto

Roseland Montessori School, Roseland

Rosepine Elementary School, Rosepine

Southside Elementary School, Lake Providence

St Martinville Primary School, St Martinville

Tallulah Elementary School, Tallulah

Winnfield Primary School, Winnfield

 

2020 Schools Tested

Boothville-Vencie Elementary School, Boothville

Bossier Elementary School,  Bossier City

Cypress Grover Montessori, Lutcher

Delcambre Elementary School, Delcambre

Frost Elementary School, Livingston

J.A. Phillips Elementary School, Minden

John L Ory Magent Elementary School, LaPlace

Olla-Standard Elementary School, Olla

Rayville Elementary School, Rayville

Rougon Elementary School, Rougon

Slaughter Elementary School, Slaughter

W.P. Foster Elementary School, Franklin

2021 Schools Tested

E.K. Key Elementary School, Sulphur

Sulphur High School, Sulphur

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


Why is the Department testing water in public schools?
Frequently Asked Questions

The Louisiana Department of Health, in accordance with Act 632 of the 2018 Legislature, has started a pilot program to sample and test drinking water in selected elementary schools in Louisiana. The purpose of the tests is to determine if the drinking water in older schools, those constructed prior to 1986, contain lead above the state recommended Action Level of 15 parts per billion.

Why were only 12 schools  tested?

This is a pilot program in accordance with Act 632. The results of the testing will be shared with the public, school districts and the Louisiana Legislature. Based on those results, decisions about next steps will be made.

How were the schools selected?

Using the requirements of Act 632 as a guide, the Department worked with local school districts and school superintendents to identify the 12 schools. To best characterize the issue of lead in school water, LDH prioritized older and larger schools and those that have not had plumbing upgrades since 1986.

How was the testing conducted?

For each school, the Department took water samples at several locations; before it enters the school and from taps within the school. The varying locations help to determine if the lead came from the water system, the plumbing fixtures or from the plumbing piping inside of the school.

What are the sources for lead in drinking water?

Typically, the lead in plumbing pipes, solder and other plumbing fixtures, such as water coolers and faucets, is the source of lead in drinking water. The most common cause is corrosion, which is a chemical reaction between the water and the pipes and solder. Who is responsible for safe drinking water?

In Louisiana, the responsibility for providing safe drinking water rests with public water systems. In the case of schools, each school and the local school board are responsible for the building plumbing along with the health and safety of children and staff.

What is the role of the Louisiana Department of Health?

LDH has the responsibility for monitoring and regulating water systems. For this pilot program, LDH is managing the program and the schools have the responsibility to respond appropriately to the findings.