$2 Million Earmarked to Test School Waters for Lead Statewide

By ALISON BAUTER (Patch Staff)

BEDFORD, MA - After fountains at four Boston schools tested positive for elevated lead levels, officials have earmarked $2 million in state funding to test the waters at schools statewide.

Funding comes from the Massachusetts Clean Water Trust, and will be deployed by the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection to sample taps and water fountains at all public schools.

Federal guidelines say lead levels over 15 parts per billion are considered hazardous in drinking water. Particularly in buildings with older pipes and infrastructure, lead can leech into the water supply.

Testing this week showed four Boston schools exceeded recommended levels. In response, the schools shut down public fountains and increased access to bottled water, according to a statement from Boston Public Schools.

“Protecting the health of our children is a top priority,” Gov. Charlie Baker said in a statement. “By proactively offering this critical assistance, we can ensure that all students and parents across the Commonwealth are in a safe environment where they can learn."

The testing program launches this spring, according to the MassDEP press release. It follows legislative efforts to increase funding for lead sampling, as well as a federal push for heightened testing.

Lead exposure, historically most associated with lead-based paints, is considered particularly hazardous to children, where it's associated with behavioral issues and lower IQs. Recent revelations of systemic problems in Flint, Mich., have pushed the issue to the forefront of public awareness and press inquiry.

>> Photo credit r. nial bradshaw via Flickr/Creative Commons