More Lead Found in Drinking Water at Newark Schools

Newark schools shut off sinks and fountains at 30 schools last month because of lead

Elevated lead levels have been found in more samples from New Jersey's largest school district.

Newark schools released data Thursday night showing that lead above the federally recommended threshold had been found in eight facilities used by city and charter schools.

The results come from buildings where lead testing did not occur last school year. The results show that 16 samples from drinking water sources showed levels about the 15 parts per billion threshold. Other samples came from utility sinks and from a transportation hub and athletic fields.

State lawmakers have called for requiring testing drinking water in all of New Jersey's public schools after Newark schools shut off sinks and fountains at 30 facilities last month because of lead.

Testing showed elevated lead levels in some buildings for years.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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