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High Lead Levels Found in Water at Some St. Louis Schools

Timothy Smith
/
flickr

Preliminary testing shows lead contamination in the water in some St. Louis school buildings.

The St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports that tests conducted this summer revealed lead contamination in several buildings. St. Louis Public Schools spokesman Patrick Wallace says drinking fountains and sinks are shut off in several school buildings until pipes and faucets are replaced.

The district has not released a list of affected schools, but Wallace says parents have been notified. Among the schools is Meramec Elementary School. Parents received a letter Wednesday. One drinking fountain and 11 sinks at Meramec are shut off due to unsafe levels of lead.

Bottled water is available at affected schools.

High levels of lead exposure can contribute to decreased IQ or development of learning disabilities, especially in young children.

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