Politics & Government

Report: Worcester Used 'Cheats' Testing Water for Lead

Worcester was one of 33 cities to use Flint, Mich.-like practices that could mask potentially toxic lead concentration, says The Guardian.

Worcester, MA - An investigation by The Guardian concludes Worcester 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 Worcester's testing regimes are similar to the practices that had such disastrous consequences in Flint, although that city is considered an extreme case.

The report also found Boston is one of five major cities to deploy similar practices. There, 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.

Find out what's happening in Worcesterfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

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

Read the full report from The Guardian here.

Find out what's happening in Worcesterfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

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

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