PORTLAND, Maine (WGAN) Testing has revealed high concentrations of lead at water fixtures in Portland schools.
According to CBS 13 news, the samples were collected from cooking and drinking water taps, as required under a state law passed in 2019.
The Maine CDC says fixtures with samples that show more than 4 parts per billion should be re-examined and possibly remediated.
Elevated levels of lead were found in at least one water fixture at most Portland schools, including Deering High School, Portland High School, King Middle School, Lincoln Middle School and Lyman Moore Middle School, though not all of the fixtures were being used for drinking water.
Portland school officials say all fixtures with samples exceeding four parts per billion have been taken out of service. They said they’ll work with lead management consultants to install filtration systems, replace fixtures and make other changes to address the elevated lead levels and then re-test as necessary.
