HEATH, OHIO: Officials say elevated levels of lead have been found in water at two schools in a central Ohio district.
Heath City Schools officials say water samples taken last month from a drinking fountain at Heath Middle School and a kitchen sink at Garfield Elementary School showed lead levels well above recommendations by federal environmental regulators. Schools Superintendent Trevor Thomas says the fountain and sink will be fixed or replaced and spigots in all district buildings are being tested.
Access to untested fountains is restricted. Bottled water will be available to students and staff.
State environmental regulators say lead contamination usually happens when water comes into contact with old or corroded plumbing materials containing lead.
Lead in children’s blood can cause behavior and learning problems, slower growth, hearing problems and anemia.