Drinking Water Shut Off In All Detroit Schools Due To Lead

As school started for the year, many students in Detroit returned to schools with drinking water containing lead—a toxin that can impact how they think, learn and behave.

As school started for the year, many students in Detroit returned to schools with drinking water containing lead—a toxin that can impact how they think, learn and behave.

On Aug. 29, the Detroit school district announced that it would shut off water in all its schools after new testing revealed lead and copper contamination in 16 additional schools. Since 18 other schools had previously tested positive for contamination, Detroit now has 34 schools without safe drinking water.

“Although Detroit did the safe thing by turning off the water, we now need to get the lead out,” said Kara Cook-Schultz, director of our national network’s Zero Out Toxics program. “Our children need clean water now and in the future.”

U.S. PIRG is calling on states and cities to get the lead out of schools, and is encouraging towns to invest in new pipes and filters to ensure our kids stay safe.

Photo Credit: goodmoments via Shutterstock

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