Sebring schools take precautions as classes resume; seek plumbers

SEBRING — Any wash basin or drinking fountain in the Sebring schools that tested over 5 parts of lead per billion has had its water supply shut off, and it has been covered with plastic bags as a precaution, Schools Superintendent Toni Viscounte said shortly after the schools reopened this morning.

The federal lead action level is 15ppb.

Sebring schools had been closed Friday, Monday and Tuesday because of excessive lead found in local water taps.

The Ohio Environmental Protection Agency tested every local school water source fixture on the Sebring public water system for lead Sunday, finding only two of 123 water samples, both from Sebring high school drinking fountains, over15 ppb.

Bottled water is being used for cafeteria cooking, Viscounte added.

“Even though our cafeteria tested fine, our parents are still a little bit nervous,” Viscounte said.

Viscounte said she’s seeking plumbers willing to donate their time to remove drinking fountains from school walls to enable lead tests on the plumbing leading to them and their parts.

There are no plumbers on the Sebring schools staff.

No lead was found in any water at the West Branch middle and high schools, which also reopened today.

If you can help, call the superintendent's office at 330-938-6165.