NEWS RELEASE
(ALBEMARLE COUNTY, Virginia)—Albemarle County Public Schools (ACPS) is pleased to announce the completion of extensive lead testing, confirming that drinking water in all ACPS facilities is safe. The results show that water in ACPS facilities meets or exceeds the safety standards set by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Virginia Department of Health.
ACPS proactively tested the water systems across its facilities and worked closely with local water authorities to ensure the highest level of safety for students and staff. Through voluntary testing, compliance with federal regulations, and ongoing monitoring, the district has found that all the water systems in its facilities are safe.
Summary of Testing Efforts
Voluntary Lead Testing
In 2016 and 2018, ACPS voluntarily tested every drinking water fixture in all schools, inspecting approximately 800 fixtures, including water fountains, classroom sinks, and kitchen sinks. A limited number of fixtures were found to exceed the EPA’s maximum contaminant level (MCL) for lead. In each case, ACPS replaced the pipes or installed filters and conducted follow-up testing to confirm that lead levels were reduced to below the MCL.
Triennial Lead Testing
ACPS conducts lead testing every three years at its five well-water schools, with results consistently below the EPA’s MCL. The Albemarle County Service Authority performs similar triennial testing in its distribution system. All ACPS water sample results are available for public viewing through the Virginia Department of Health’s Drinking Water Viewer.
Lead Service Line Inventories
- Following the EPA’s 2021 revisions to the Lead and Copper Rule, ACPS has completed its inventory of service lines at its five waterworks sites. No lead pipes were identified. Families and community members can view an interactive map showing the lead-free status of service lines at ACPS’s waterworks sites.
- The Albemarle County Service Authority (ACSA), which provides drinking water to 17 ACPS schools, recently completed its inventory and confirmed that no lead service lines are present in its distribution system. Additional details about ACSA’s lead service line inventory can be found on their Lead-Free Water page.
- The Charlottesville Department of Utilities provides drinking water to two ACPS school facilities. They have also confirmed that no lead service lines are present in their distribution system. For more information, visit the City’s Lead Service Line Inventory.
ACPS Building Services Environmental Program Manager, John Coles, said of the testing, “ACPS is dedicated to maintaining a safe environment for all students and staff. Ensuring the quality of our drinking water is a critical part of that. We will continue to work with local authorities and adhere to federal and state regulations to keep our school facilities safe and healthy for everyone.”
CONTACT: Helen Dunn, Public Affairs and Strategic Communications Officer
PHONE: 434-249-8379