Boston City Council Calls on Schools to Shut Down Fountains

Boston, MA - As a precautionary measure, members of Boston's City Council are calling upon school officials to shut down water fountains at schools citywide Friday, after reports of above-average lead levels in the water and miscommunication over when to shut off fountains at some schools.

• READ MORE: Two BPS Staffers On Leave Over Testing for Lead-Contaminated Water Fountains
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In a letter shared by The Boston Globe, 12 of the council's 13 members called for the shut off Friday, over concerns that students could consumer water that is contaminated with lead, and despite the school superintendent's assurances that all currently active fountains are safe.

Lead-related water issues have been reported in at least eight schools so far. Most schools already rely on bottled water due to aging infrastructure. However, ongoing lead-testing across the school system has officials on alert.

"We ask that all drinking fountains in the 125 BPS schools be shut down immediately until all have been appropriately tested and deemed safe for students to drink," the council members' letter said.

The Environmental Protection Agency recommends drinking water with lead concentrations of no more than 15 parts per billion. Particularly for children, lead in drinking water is a serious concern. Exposure to unsafe levels has been tied to behavioral issues and lower IQs. The issue gained heightened attention this past year, following revelations in Flint, Mich.

BPS is offering information and updates on water safety efforts on its website here.

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