Misawa Lead Assessment Project results released

  • Published
  • By 35th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
MISAWA AIR BASE, Japan --  The 35th Medical Group here conducted a lead assessment of water dispensed from over 700 faucets and water fountains within school and school age program facilities in late December 2014.

The Lunney Youth Center, Cheli School Age Program, Wakasa Teen Center and Cummings Elementary all tested well below Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) standards. However, about 9 percent of the water fixtures within the Child Development Center (CDC), Sollars Elementary, and Edgren Middle School/High School were identified as exceeding the EPA standard for lead.

These faucets were in rooms that have not been in use in several years or were laboratory sinks, laundry sinks, or hand washing stations. We are confident no one was placed at risk from consuming water at these stations.

The assessment identified 66 elevated water fixtures. Of the elevated faucets, 34 were in classrooms not being used. As of April 28, 2015, the seven fixtures that were unused drinking fountains have been removed and capped by 35th Civil Engineer Squadron's water system maintenance section to eliminate the possibility of accidental water consumption. The other 27 fixtures are being flushed each day for two weeks and will be retested.

Following the testing the fixtures will be shut off or removed. The remaining 32 faucets are sinks in the science and art laboratories or custodial closets not utilized for human consumption. These will be labeled as non-potable water sources.

Col. Alden Hilton, 35 MDG commander, said the base is confident no one was placed at risk from drinking water at these stations.

Historical blood lead testing results in the pediatric population at Misawa have not identified a concern. Regardless, if you have any health concerns related to this issue or concerns about lead in your drinking water please contact your Primary Care Manager at the 35 MDG to arrange an individual consultation.

To view the signed lead assessment memorandum, click here.