November 05, 2016
Officials within the Cherry Hill Public School District have set a commitment to test the drinking water in all 19 of its buildings and so far, tests in seven buildings have been completed, finding elevated levels in a handful of water outlets.
Though, officials say the district is on target to meet its Dec. 31 deadline for completion.
Superintendent Joseph Meloche sent a letter out to parents earlier this week, updating them on the process that started in August.
So far, the district has tested water at Harte, Johnson, Mann, Sharp, Stockton and Woodcrest Elementary Schools as well as Malberg Administration Building/Alternative High School to make sure the drinking water is in compliance with the New Jersey Department of Education's regulations.
Out of the 209 samples collected so far, elevated lead levels have been found in nine water outlets at Harte, Johnson, Mann, Sharp and Woodcrest Elementary Schools.
Action is taken against samples coming back that show lead levels above 15 parts per billion, an Environmental Protection Agency guideline.
The outlets exceeding the level have been taken out of the schools.
The district will continue to release its results publicly on its website as they become available.
