School to use testing program

Jay Schools will participate in a voluntary water-sampling program to test for lead contamination.

“I will ask them to put us on their list,” said superintendent Jeremy Gulley. “It seems common sense to me.”

Indiana Finance Authority is launching the water sampling program as part of its environmental programming division.

“The sampling program is free to participating Indiana public schools and will test water source fixtures in a variety of school district facilities,” Jim McGoff, director of environmental programs at the Indiana Finance Authority, said in a prepared statement.

State officials expect lead levels in water from drinking fountains, ice machines, food-preparation sinks and other fixtures to be at satisfactory levels.

But in those cases in which lead levels turn out to be elevated, the state wants to step in to help solve the problem.

“Schools have access to funding options via the IFA’s State Revolving Fund loan programs to address immediate needs,” said McGoff. “If a sample test reveals elevated lead levels, the IFA and the Indiana Department of Environmental Management will work with the school district to map out next steps to address the situation.”

Participating school districts first complete a questionnaire to help IFA set priorities for sampling needed in each school district.