Local News

Excessive Lead In Water Of 14 Durham School Fountains

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DURHAM, N.C. — Fourteen drinking fountains in local public schools have been taken out of service after tests showed elevated levels of lead in the water, officials said Thursday.

Durham Public Schools officials tested 285 fountains at 26 schools built before 1990 after random testing by the Durham County Health Department found excessive lead in a number of older homes across the city.

The water fountains removed from service include five at Northern High School, three at Lowe's Grove Middle School and one each at Carrington Middle School, Mangum Elementary School, Merrick-Moore Elementary School, Burton Elementary School, Powe Elementary School and Durham School of the Arts.

More tests are being conducted at Pearsontown Elementary School and Club Boulevard Elementary School, and results are expected next week, officials said.

Results of tests also haven't returned for the fountains at Lakewood Elementary School.

All other drinking fountains at local public schools are in service and are safe to use, officials said.

The school district and the health department are working together to develop a plan for eliminating the lead in the supply lines to the 14 fountains, officials said.

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