Report: Boston Used 'Cheats' Testing Water for Lead

Boston, MA - An investigation by The Guardian concludes Boston is one of 33 U.S. cities that has used water testing "cheats" that could mask potentially toxic levels of lead concentration.

The water crisis in Flint, Mich., sparked the investigative series. The Guardian found Boston's testing regimes are similar to the practices that had such disastrous consequences in Flint, although that city is considered an extreme case.

Boston Public Schools has recently contended with water contamination issues in public drinking fountains, sparking outcry from parents and prompting a series of public meetings.

Worcester and Springfield were the only other Massachusetts cities listed in the report. Bridgeport, CT; Portland, ME; Lewiston, ME; Bangor, ME; and South Burlington, VT, were also listed.

Patch received the following statement from The Boston Water and Sewer Commission, via the mayor's office:

"The Boston Water and Sewer Commission (BWSC) is confident that the quality of its water meets all federal and state standards. The Massachusetts Water Resources Authority (MWRA) is confident that all testing was done according to the established protocol and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (Mass DEP) testing regulations. On February 29, 2016, the EPA recommended the use of wide mouth bottles; that there not be pre-stagnation flush; and that the faucet be run at typical flow rates. These protocols were adopted for the latest round of sampling."

Read the full report from The Guardian here.

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