Study finds Clovis Unified's water safe despite problems in Fresno

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- Clovis Unified said northeast Fresno's discolored water problem isn't bleeding into the schools. The district has several schools in that part of the city and test results show the faucets are safe to drink out of.

Clovis Unified said there's no longer a need for bottled water at its schools. The drinking faucets were tested and the district says they're safe.

"There was not a source problem, our drinking water is fine," District spokesperson Kelly Avants said.

Avants said the testing started with six schools in the spring and the school sites closest to a water treatment plant in northeast Fresno. Where residents have concerns of discolored water and lead contamination.

"None of the sites have been tested over the actionable levels and so we can assure parents that the drinking faucets on those campuses," Avants said. "All of the data is showing there's no cause for concern."

Another seven schools were tested when students returned from summer break and Avants said the results were pretty much the same. However, out of 65 faucets, she says 13 had very light traces of lead - far below the standards set by the federal government and it appeared to be a maintenance issue.

"To be proactive we went ahead and any faucet we tested above non-detect which means minimal to none in the water," Avants said. "We went ahead and are replacing those faucets."

Parents at Mountain View Elementary say they're relieved.

"At least I know my daughter has safe drinking water here," parent Sarah Ariaz said.

Still, some plan to stick with bottled water.

"We're precautionary, we buy bottled water anyway," parent Jim Birges said. "I think really to be sure nowadays, bottled water is the best alternative anyway."

Just to be safe, the district said all schools will be tested routinely to make sure the faucets are always clean.