Investigating Water Contamination: A Safe School Science Project (Pennsylvania Guide)

Why this is important (real news in PA)

• PFAS in schools: NBC10 Investigators found four Pennsylvania schools with “forever chemicals” (PFAS) above the state limit—and families wanted answers: NBC10 report.
• Lead and other hazards: A WHYY story says many districts detected lead in drinking water and didn’t always fix problems quickly: WHYY report.
• Legionella after buildings sit: In Berks County, officials reported Legionella bacteria in the South Campus water system and began remediation; local news covered it here: WFMZ story (see the county’s press release for details). berkspa.gov

Bottom line: Water issues show up in real PA schools. This project helps students find facts, organize them, and explain what to do—without any lab testing.

What this project is

A no-lab research project for middle schoolers. You’ll look up your school’s water information, organize it, and explain what it means. Use EPA’s school playbook, 3Ts—Train, Test, Take Action:

• EPA 3Ts overview: https://www.epa.gov/ground-water-and-drinking-water/3ts-reducing-lead-drinking-water
• 3Ts full guide (PDF): https://www.epa.gov/system/files/documents/2024-11/epa-3ts-guidance-document-english-508-compliant.pdf

Quick glossary (plain English)

• ppb (parts per billion): A super tiny amount—1 out of 1,000,000,000 (about 1 second in 31 years).
• ppt (parts per trillion): Even tinier—1 out of 1,000,000,000,000 (about 1 second in 31,700 years).
• PFAS: Microplastics knows as “forever chemicals”; two common ones are PFOA and PFOS.
• MCL (Maximum Contaminant Level): Legal limit in drinking water.
• Action/trigger: A number that means do something now (like fix or shut off a fountain).
• CCR (Consumer Confidence Report): Your water utility’s yearly water-quality report.

Why it matters in Pennsylvania

• Lead: PA encourages schools to test; if they don’t test, they must talk about lead at a public meeting. If a fountain is 15 ppb or higher, schools must make a plan. PA Department of Education (Act 39):
• PFAS: PA’s limits are 14 ppt (PFOA) and 18 ppt (PFOS); the EPA’s national rule sets 4 ppt for PFOA/PFOS and adds other PFAS. PA limits:  • EPA fact sheet: (see table of MCLs). Learn more here: AP NewsUS EPA
• After breaks (Legionella risk): According to the CDC, schools should flush water lines when buildings sit unused:

Your 5-step plan

1) Map drinking spots

List where people drink water: fountains, bottle fillers, kitchen prep sinks, nurse’s sink, any classroom sinks used for drinking.

2) Find your school’s info

• Check your district website for “Water Quality” or “Lead in Drinking Water.”
• Read the state overview (Act 39):
• If you’re on city water, look up the utility’s CCR (search: [your utility name] + CCR). What’s a CCR?

3) Organize results

Make a simple table: Outlet ID, Location, Date, Result, What the school did (shut off, filter, replace). (Free templates below.)

4) Compare to two easy markers

• Lead: Flag ≥ 5 ppb (PA grant trigger for fixes) and ≥ 15 ppb (Act 39 “must plan”). PA DEP school program
• PFAS: If your utility lists PFAS, compare to PA’s limits and the EPA rule (links above).

5) Recommend next steps

• Short term: keep problem fountains off or add certified filters; clean aerators; flush after breaks.
• Funding help: PA’s WIIN grants can pay for hydration stations, point-of-use filters, or fixture replacements if an outlet tested ≥ 5 ppb in the last 36 months.

Quick FAQs

Do PA schools have to test every year?
No. Testing is encouraged. If a school doesn’t test, it must hold a public meeting about lead; ≥ 15 ppb requires a plan/alternate water. (PDE Act 39 page above.)

What is the 5 ppb number?
It’s PA’s remediation trigger for grant funding (like hydration stations and point-of-use filters). DEP school lead page

What’s a safe way for students to help?
Students do research, mapping, and communication—not sampling. Follow the EPA 3Ts steps and the CDC flushing guidance when buildings reopen.

How can our Pennsylvania school find PFAS and lead results and read the CCR?
Check your district’s “Water Quality” page first. If you’re on city water, find your utility’s CCR (search: [utility name] + CCR). CCR overview: https://www.epa.gov/ccr/consumer-confidence-report-rule-revisions. PA PFAS limits

What’s the best type of filter for a school drinking fountain to reduce lead?
Look for NSF/ANSI 53-certified lead-reduction filters at the outlet (fountain/bottle filler). Replace cartridges on schedule (watch the filter indicator). Certifications 101

Our school has its own well. Do different rules apply than city water?
Yes. A school well is treated like a public water system and follows federal rules (like the Lead & Copper Rule). Keep posting results, map fixtures, and flush after breaks. Use the EPA 3Ts playbook for steps.

Learn More:

1. DEP Services: https://dscwater.com/services/dep-compliance-services/
2. Impact of Microplastics: https://dscwater.com/articles/understanding-the-impact-of-pfas-and-microplastics-on-human-health/
3. Fill your bottle with the best water at home: https://dscwater.com/services/drinking-water-systems/reverse-osmosis

Wrap-up

Real news shows that lead, PFAS, and even Legionella can show up in school water. With this simple plan, your class can find the facts, organize them, and explain what to do next—all safely and clearly for your community.