The highest lead levels found in drinking water samples from Mass. schools
This chart shows the five worst test results of drinking water samples drawn from Mass. schools, all of which school officials said they believe had not been used for a while prior to testing. The regulatory limit for lead in drinking water in Massachusetts schools is 15 ppb. For each sample listed below, this chart includes the city and town name, the name of the school, the location within the school where the sample was taken from, the date the sample was drawn, and the results.
| School | Response |
|---|---|
| Brockton: Hancock | Shut off fixtures with high lead levels; plan to replace with hydration stations; announcement posted on school website. |
| Leicester: Leicester Memorial Elementary | Replaced plumbing and/or fixture; notice provided to families; retested and passed |
| Lynn: Hood | Shut off fountains with high lead levels; may replace some plumbing; notified families |
| New Bedford: Sgt Wm H Carney Academy | Fixtures with high lead levels shut off and are being replaced; families notified of results |
| Source | Total samples tested | % Above limit (15 ppb) |
|---|---|---|
| Classroom Faucet | 22,828 | 9% |
| Drinking Water Bubbler | 15,205 | 7% |
| Water Cooler | 7,335 | 2% |
| Kitchen Faucet, Cold | 4,519 | 7% |
| Nurse's Office Sink | 1,917 | 5% |
| Bathroom Faucet | 1,339 | 4% |
| Kitchen Kettle, Cold | 1,206 | 18% |
| Home Economics Room, Cold | 557 | 7% |
| Kitchen Ice Maker | 153 | 1% |
| Service Connector | 18 | 22% |
| Kitchen Kettle, Hot | 14 | 36% |
| Other Location | 2,301 | 8% |
| N/A | 7,457 | 9% |
Matt Rocheleau can be reached at matthew.rocheleau@globe.com. Follow him on Twitter @mrochele