April 29, 2019
Dear Strawberry Hill Families,
Our district has recently spoken with representatives of Linn County Public Health (LCPH) and The University of lowa’s Center for Health Effects of Environmental Contamination (CHEEC) regarding a partnership to have water tested at Strawberry Hill Elementary for lead contamination.
As you may know, lead contamination in schools has been a topic of national concern due to studies conducted in other states. LCPH and CHEEC are currently working together to determine whether this is an issue for Linn County and Jones County schools.
Presently, there is no evidence that Strawberry Hill has a lead contamination problem. However, we feel that this partnership represents a good opportunity to assess whether our students and staff are being accidentally exposed to unacceptable levels of lead through our drinking water.
Over the next couple of weeks, individuals from LCPH and CHEEC will conduct an in-school sampling of all taps within the school. All water sampling and analysis will be done at no charge to the school district. Researchers will then present findings and provide a detailed report of results and, as needed, provide recommendations for mitigating any potential contamination. If results warrant, LCPH and CHEEC have also allocated some funds to ensure students have access to a drinking water source free of lead contamination.
The school district’s intent is to use the study results to mitigate any issues we may have with the support of LCPH and CHEEC. Overall, we feel this is a good opportunity for our kids and our district.
We will continue to keep you updated as we go through this process. Please let me know if you have any questions.
Thank you.
Mrs. Val Daily
