May 20, 2026,
To Whom It May Concern: Lead Testing Results
The Beresford School District elected to participate in an early lead-testing program. Beginning in November of 2027, all schools will be required to perform lead testing. Lead testing took place on March 13, 2026, and our results were recently sent to us from Bartlett & West on May 13, 2026.
Lead is a heavy metal that can cause health problems if ingested (swallowed), and was commonly used in building construction into the 1980s. The EPA says a way to visualize one part per billion is one drop of water in one billion drops of water, or one drop of water in a swimming pool.
Lab results show a small amount of lead was found in the water in the school. The levels of lead are low enough in the water that the EPA does not require us to replace fixtures or do any other remediation. The EPA recommends running the water for 30 seconds before drinking or using water from a fixture found to have lead. We will have those fixtures marked with reminders to run the water before drinking/using. Moreover, during the summer of 2026, we will work with a local plumber to replace water lines/inlets/fixtures (as applicable) where positive test results were found. The impacted fixtures were found in the Middle School/High School Kitchen, the Middle School/High School FACS Room, and the Elementary Band/Vocal room (drinking fountain).
Respectfully,
/s/ Dustin Degen