1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25 | On July 28, 2023, at 08:30 a.m., Licensing Program Analyst (LPA) Kendal Zirbes conducted an unannounced case management Lead Testing/Exceedance inspection for the purpose of notifying the facility there has been a lead exceedance referred for an Action Level Exceedance (ALE) of over 5.5 parts per billion (ppb) in the water at the facility. LPA met with facility representative Christine Tulleners. LPA disclosed the purpose of the inspection and was granted entry into the facility. Four preschool children, and one teacher was present in the facility during this inspection. Palmdale Regional Office received notification of water lead exceedance at the facility resulting from a recent water lead sampling test. Based on the records reviewed outlet (A) and (B) indoor sink faucets in the preschool and outlet (C) an indoor sink faucet in the staff restroom had an ALE of 5.700 ppb. Per conversation with facility representative, outlets (A) (B) and (C) are utilized for hand washing purposes. Facility representative expressed the families provide all meals and snacks for the children and art projects or learning activities do not include food items. Therefore the outlets are not utilized to wash fruit or other ingested items. Per facility representative, the children have access to drinking water via personal water bottles that are brought filled from home. Facility representative expressed if the children's water bottles need to be filled while at the Center water from a Brita filter is utilized. Per facility representative, the Brita container is filled with water from outlet (C). Only water that has run through the Brita filter is provided to the children. During this inspection, LPA observed the Facility had filtered water readily available in the refrigerator and had two back up replacement Brita filters available. LPA observed the Brita filter description stated contaminants including Lead were removed.
During this inspection, LPA requested the Center provide the Department with a plan which address how the facility will ensure the Brita filter is changed every six months or every 120 gallons as required by the manufacturer. LPA advised the Center to always have back up filters readily available in the classroom and ensure the Brita container is filled the previous night so filtered water is readily available when children arrive the next morning. Based on interviews with staff members and file review, indoor faucets (A,B,C) were not utilized for drinking water nor food preparation.
A notice of site visit was given and must remain posted for 30 days. Failure to comply with posting requirements shall result in an immediate civil penalty of $100. Exit interview conducted and report was reviewed with the facility representative Christine Tulleners |