Elevated Lead Levels Found At Jeffco Head Start
ARVADA, Colo. (CBS4)- Elevated levels of lead discovered at the Jefferson County Head Start have resulted in the closure of the center in Arvada.
Jefferson County Head Start is located at 5150 Allison Street in Arvada. Preliminary test results sent to Jefferson County on Wednesday showed that the lead levels were found to be higher than the Environmental Protection Agency's "action level" for lead.
The action level is a threshold that requires additional testing, monitoring and remediation.
There are 315 students at the Head Start school.
The staff at the Head Start location first complained about the water abnormalities to Jefferson County Facilities Department on March 3. That same day the facilities department took water samples.
Jefferson County, the City of Arvada and the Colorado Department of Health are working together to ensure the health and safety of Head Start students and staff.
Head Start closed the school on Wednesday after learning of the water concerns. The school will reopen on Monday. Bottled water will be provided to all students and staff.
Copter4 flew over the school on Thursday where the playground and parking lot remained empty.
Jefferson County expects to receive final test results from the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment on Friday. Those results are expected to be limited so more water quality testing is underway.
Jefferson County will assist with health screenings for interested Head Start families.
