Elevated lead levels found in water sources at Memphis middle school, MSCS confirms
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MEMPHIS, Tenn. – Memphis-Shelby County Schools (MSCS) confirmed Monday that an unsafe level of lead was found in the water sources at Bellevue Middle School but said it has “worked diligently” to reduce potential exposure.
“Based on the results of testing, and within 24 hours, we immediately removed the affected drinking water sources from service,” MSCS said in a statement. “While the results identified specific water sources with elevated lead levels, it is important to note that this does not indicate widespread contamination throughout the school, and as more permanent measures are underway, we will continue to conduct subsequent retesting of those water sources.”
In a letter to parents and teachers of Bellevue, the school district said that it had received lead water testing results on July 27 that found certain drinking sources at Bellevue Middle School had equal or more than twenty parts per billion, or 20 ppb. “When a lead sample is detected at or above this level, we take immediate steps to address the source of lead to protect children and staff,” the school district said.
MSCS said it closed down affected drinking water sources from service.
The school district said the discovery “does not indicate widespread contamination,” adding that it would continue to conduct “subsequent retesting” of the water sources.
MSCS is required to test the water every year. This was not the first time schools in the district tested high for lead. Three years ago, it was found in fountains and faucets at a dozen schools.
Lead is most likely to affect older schools with old plumbing. Bellevue Middle School was built in 1928, which makes it nearly 100 years old.
Being exposed to lead as a child can damage the brain and the nervous system. And it can cause lifetime health, behavioral, social and even economic challenges.
Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital says no level of lead in a child’s system is safe. That creates an extra struggle in Memphis, where some students may also be exposed to lead at home.
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