In a year of testing lead in water at DeKalb County schools, officials found water fountains, kitchen sinks and other water sources were putting out more metal than was safe.
District officials said Tuesday that more work needs to be done, but nearly every school building, athletic complex and administrative office is now in compliance with federal Environmental Protection Agency standards.
“We’re still retesting water sources at several schools,” said Chief Operations Officer Joshua Williams.
Superintendent Steve Green announced an emergency declaration in September 2016 to test lead in water, citing issues with water in Flint, Mich., as his motivation. The district put up a website to chart its progress.
Testing began at the district’s oldest elementary school buildings, as lead would most likely be found in structures completed before 1986, and elementary school children are at the greatest risk for lead poisoning.
No Georgia law requires testing water for lead in schools and day care centers.
