Newton Turns Off Park Drinking Fountains After Lead Results

Newton, MA – Newton has shut off the water to its drinking fountains at public parks after testing found elevated lead levels in four fountains.

In a letter to the Newton community Friday, Public Works Commissioner James McGonagle informed the public of the decision.

According to the announcement, on May 17 an outdoor fountain at Family Access of Newton was found to have high lead levels, prompting additional testing.

The city tested nine public drinking fountains on June 10; four of fountains were above the "actionable" lead level, according to results received June 23.

These fountains are located at a softball field, the Cabot Park tennis court, the Crystal Lake bathhouse and the right rear of Gath Pool, according to the letter.

A fifth fountain, at the little league field at Cabot Park, tested borderline, according to a clarification sent to residents.

These fountains were immediately shut off and the Department of Parks and Recreation began supplying bottled water at Crystal Lake and Gath Pool. On June 29, the decision was made to shut off the remaining drinking fountains in Newton's public parks.

While the city evaluates how to address the situation, residents are advised to bring their own drinks when visiting the public parks.

The letter asks residents to complete a short survey at www.newtonma.gov/watersurvey and to email any questions, comments or concerns to drinkingwater@newtonma.gov.

Image credit: David Salafia via Flickr / Creative Commons