Tests show high levels of lead in Maine schools water supply
LEWISTON, Maine (AP) — A first round of testing of water in Lewiston schools yielded high levels of lead in about a third of water sources, leading school officials to restrict some water sources.
Farwell, Montello, Geiger and McMahon elementary schools, as well as Lewiston Regional Technical Center and Longley School were included in the first round of testing, the Sun Journal reported. The rest of Lewiston’s schools will be tested next week.
All Maine schools are required by law to regularly test their water for lead, according to a 2019 bill.
So far, about 30% of the nearly 3,000 water sources tested from Maine schools were too high in lead levels, and that’s similar to schools in other states, said Amy Lachance, director of the Maine Drinking Water Program.
When lead is present in drinking water, it usually is a result of it leaching from pipes and plumbing fixtures, according to the program. Lead exposure can cause brain damage as well as impaired development and learning trouble in children.
Water bottles were available for students and staff in each of the Lewiston schools beginning Tuesday.
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