By Heather Lusk
Zionsville-based 120WaterAudit has been selected to be part of a program to sample drinking water in more than 750 public schools across Indiana. The sampling will determine whether the drinking water has traces of lead.
The voluntary program is coordinated by the Indiana Geological Survey, a research institute of Indiana University, and 120WaterAudit, thanks to a $1.63 million grant from the Indiana Finance Authority. 120WaterAudit is the technology and laboratory coordination provider for the project.
Testing will begin in the fall when school resumes and continue throughout the year. Water sources being tested are those that supply water for consumption, such as drinking fountains, ice machines and food preparation sinks.
Results will be compared against the EPA lead action level. All data will be analyzed and summarized in a final report to the state.
Megan Glover, co-founder and CEO of 120WaterAudit, said her company will add at least three staff members to assist with the additional workload. Since March, it has been operating in an area set aside for growing business in the coworking space, zWORKS, but Glover anticipates moving before the end of the year.
“We are currently looking for flex space options and hope to stay in Boone County, but we are exploring all options at this point,” she stated in an email.
All Zionsville Community Schools will participate in the program.
If a school is found to have high lead levels, officials have a plan to assist with funding options through the IFA’s State Revolving Fund loan program, which provides low-interest loans for projects that improve wastewater and drinking water infrastructure.
