A statewide advocacy group has given Pennsylvania a failing grade for lead in school drinking water.
The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports the group PennEnvironment has given the state an “F” in its “Get The Lead Out” report for not requiring lead testing of water in schools.
Lead is a known neurotoxin and even low levels in a child’s blood can result in learning and behavioral problems, according to the federal Environmental Protection Agency.
Two years ago, it became public that Butler Area School District officials had not immediately notified parents when higher-than-acceptable levels of lead were found in the water at Summit Township Elementary. The school has since been hooked up to public water, instead of operating on a well.
Now, a bill hoping to advance in the state House would require annual testing of water used for drinking and cooking in schools and require results to be disclosed to parents. The bill would also set a statewide standard that lead concentrations in school water can be no higher than 5 parts per billion.
The federal threshold for lead levels in drinking water is 15 parts per billion.
Pennsylvania is among 21 other states that received failing grades. PennEnvironment studied regulations in 32 states.
Following the Butler School District debacle at Summit Elementary, several other school districts in the county voluntarily tested its water for lead.
The post Pa. Gets Failing Grade By Advocacy Group Concerned With Lead In School Water appeared first on ButlerRadio.com – Butler, PA.
