In 2017, 13 million American kids went to school and drank water containing elevated levels of lead.
An additional 18 million kids attended schools where the drinking water either wasn’t tested for lead or where officials had no record of whether the water had been tested or not.
Let’s make no bones about this. The presence of lead in school water is approaching a crisis point.
In this article – we’ll cover:
- What Is Lead?
- The Presence of Lead in U.S. Drinking Water
- How Much Lead is Safe in Drinking Water?
- Lead in Drinking Water in Schools
- How Does Lead Get into Drinking Water in Schools?
- Do All Schools Test Drinking Water for Lead?
- Who Monitors the Lead Levels in the Drinking Water in Schools?
- Is There Lead in My Kid’s School Water?
- What Is the Best Filtration System for Removing Lead from School Water?
- After Filtering Lead from Water, What Other Steps Should I Take to Get Healthy Drinking Water?
- Where Can I Get a Water Ionizer to Remove Lead from Drinking Water?
What Is Lead?
Many of us are aware that lead is dangerous, but how much do we really know about the contaminant?
In a nutshell, it is a naturally occurring metallic element that’s cumulative and highly toxic.
The Presence of Lead in U.S. Drinking Water
A few years ago, when the story broke about Flint, Michigan and the series of events that lead to the townspeople drinking lead-laced water, we were shocked. =
Now, lead (tasteless, invisible, and deadly) is known to flow through pipes and into homes and buildings across America.
How Much Lead is Safe in Drinking Water?
None. There is no safe level of lead.
It can remain in the body (often stored in the bones) for decades.
The EPA has set the maximum acceptable level of lead contamination in drinking water at zero. ZERO!
Lead in Drinking Water in Schools
This contaminant can be catastrophically dangerous to children, and yet it has been found in school drinking water across the country.
A recent study of test samples from 10,888 schools across 12 states identified that almost half of those schools had at least one water sample with an alarming concentration of lead.
The risk to health for millions of children is significant and despite some inspiring people making a difference, the action is urgently needed.
RELATED | Is It Safe to Drink from a Public Water Fountain?
How Does Lead Get into Drinking Water in Schools?
School water is particularly vulnerable to lead contamination. School hours and semesters are key factors.
The buildings stand empty for long periods of time and the longer that water is stationary in water systems and pipes, the greater the risk that this contaminant will enter the water.
In other cases, the pipes are old and have been soldered with lead, which leaches into the water over time.
Do All Schools Test Drinking Water for Lead?
No, not even most schools and the issue is much bigger than initially perceived.
Nine states have compulsory testing and a recent government report found that only 43% of school districts have carried out lead testing.
If you have kids, then consider speaking with their school to find out what steps they are taking to monitor levels.
Who Monitors the Lead Levels in the Drinking Water in Schools?
There is currently no standard action plan in place for schools to follow.
The monitoring of levels is largely voluntary and the lack of mandatory regulation means that schools with excessive lead in the water are failing to test for it.
Is There Lead in My Kid’s School Water?
There could be.
The stats are lamentable and currently, millions of children are at risk.
We recommend that you talk to their school and ask them about what testing programs they’re registered with.
You can also get other parents involved by explaining your concerns to them and setting out the main points of action that you expect to be taken.
And speak with your kids as well! You might be amazed at the solutions they come up with!
RELATED | Water Quality Testing: Does Your State Need It?
What Is the Best Filtration System for Removing Lead from School Water?
Pipework and water systems take years to replace.
Actually, of course, they don’t. That’s just how long it’s likely to take for all the administrative wheels to turn.
By contrast, instant, low-cost measures such as filters can be fitted in minutes. However, standard tap filters have limited lifespans and capabilities.
It’s not hard to imagine tap filters being fitted and a false sense of security descending, only to find that there’s no backup program to monitor and replace them. They might not even be checked to see that they actually remove any contaminants.
By contrast, a Tyent water ionizer machine is plumbed into the main water supply and filters the water with state-of-the-art filtration technology to take out deadly toxins.
Our 4-stage Chromium-6 Filters are capable of removing:
- 99% of lead
- 9% of Chromium-6
- 99% of mercury, beryllium, uranium, and fluoride (when a 2-bank or 4-bank pre-filter system is fitted)
RELATED | Is a Water Ionizer Much Better Than a Standard Filter?
After Filtering Lead from Water, What Other Steps Should I Take to Get Healthy Drinking Water?
No living creature can thrive without clean, safe drinking water.
A water ionizer gives you alkaline water that tastes delicious, hydrates you for much longer than regular water, and is packed with amazingly beneficial elements:
- Naturally occurring hydrogen
- Antioxidants
- Bio-available minerals
RELATED | Filter Facts: Why a Water Ionizer Beats a Pitcher Hands Down
Where Can I Get a Water Ionizer to Remove Lead from Drinking Water?
A Tyent water ionizer combines some of the best engineering in the world with innovative design and a proven track record.
Our friendly customer care team can help you make a decision about which water ionizer is the perfect one for you. Why don’t you give them a call right now at ?
Right now, we have some jaw-dropping Springtime deals available on our award-winning water ionizers…so don’t miss out!
We’ll even hook you up with over $1,600 in free gifts with the purchase of a Tyent Water Ionizer!
Does your child’s school drinking water contain lead? If so – please tell us all about it in the comments and don’t forget to share this article with your friends and family!
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- Alkaline Water Benefits | Here’s How to Drink It for Better Health
Really important read! More parents should know about the dangers of public water and what steps they should take to let their families have access to clean water.
Hi, Santino. Our pleasure to help. Unfortunately, lead isn’t the only contaminant that’s present in our tap water systems. American tap water contains possibly more than 160 other toxins, which is why it’s important to filter and ionize your water at home with a water ionizer. We would be happy to discuss our water ionizers with you over the phone, so please give our water experts a call at 855-893-6887.