New concern raised over lead in Detroit school's drinking water

Rally planned at J.R. King Academy

DETROIT – It has been more than a year since voluntary testing in the Detroit Public Schools Community District (DPSCD) showed higher than allowed lead levels in drinking water. 

The EPA standard for lead in water is 15 parts per billion. Water tested at some of the Detroit schools showed lead levels between 16 and 27 parts per billion. Two water fountains and a prep sink were tested in each school. Because of the results 19 schools turned off water fountains and bottled water was distributed. 

Monday's event is about one school in particular -- John R.King Academic and Performing Arts Academy (J.R. King Academy) on Detroit's west side. Teachers and advocates will rally there Monday afternoon. They say they still don't have clean or safe drinking water at the school. 

They also say the state is fining DPSCD because of the water, although information from the state of Michigan on this fine has yet to be seen. 

However, last year the district did say the lead levels in drinking water at the schools are nothing like the water problems in Flint. They said students can wash their hands in sinks and be fine. 

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