High lead levels detected at two Medford elementary schools

Medford, Ore. – Drinking water has been shut off at two Medford schools after tests showed elevated lead levels at a “majority” of water fixtures.

The Medford School District said water fixtures that were tested at Jackson and Roosevelt Elementary revealed lead levels that tested above the Environmental Protection Agency action level of 20 parts per billion.

Due to the high levels of lead, the drinking water was shut off as a precaution at Jackson and Roosevelt Elementary Schools on Monday. The District said they will be providing bottled water for students and staff using the Kids Unlimited summer school program until the issue is resolved.

Medford School District Chief Operations Officer Brad Earl said “Because the test results were not received until the evening of July 29, we do not yet know the cause of the problem, but will not stop our work until we find and fix it.”

The school district said testing updates and notices to families will be provided once more information is known.

For more information about lead and its impacts, you can visit the State of Oregon’s website HERE.