Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

VBCPS tests consumable water sources every five years at all facilities built before 2014. The Reduction of Lead in Drinking Water Act became effective in 2014. Therefore, no lead sources are present in the newest VBCPS buildings.

As part of the plan to test consumable water sources at all facilities built before 2014, testing will be conducted during the school year. Families are notified when testing is scheduled to be conducted in their school. For more information, please see the testing schedule page.

In addition, the VBCPS water team is revisiting elementary classroom gooseneck faucets that were originally classified as non-consumable and had “Handwashing Only” signs installed. These sinks often also have a bubbler with a “Drinking Water” sign, and this has caused confusion. 

In pre-2014 facilities, “Water not for Drinking or Cooking” signs are posted over water sources not intended for consumption, such as bathrooms, showers and science labs. This does not mean that the water is untreated, it just means that water from that source is not intended for drinking or food preparation.

Lead poisoning occurs when a person’s health or body functions are negatively affected by lead contamination in what they eat, drink, touch or breathe. There are many factors that affect how human bodies handle exposure to lead. These factors include a person’s age, nutritional status and genetic makeup, as well as the source of lead and length of their exposure.

Children under age six are most susceptible since their brain is still developing. During this time, low levels of lead can interfere with normal brain development, resulting in behavioral problems and permanently reduced IQ. This is also the age during which hand-to-mouth activity is a child’s way of exploring, and they spend more time crawling on the floor where they can pick up dust containing lead on their hands.

Most children get lead poisoning from paint in homes built before 1978. When old paint cracks and peels, it makes dangerous dust. The dust is so small you cannot see it. Most children get lead poisoning when they breathe or swallow the dust on their hands and toys.