Berkeley Heights Schools Have Reported High Lead Levels, Study Says

BERKELEY HEIGHTS, NJ — Six Berkeley Heights schools have reported high levels of lead in drinking water over the past year, a new report says.

New Jersey Future, a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization that promotes sensible growth, redevelopment and infrastructure investments, released a report Thursday that shows the first statewide compilation of the results of school districts' tests for lead in their facilities' drinking water

The New Jersey Future analysis shows that lead was found in drinking water in districts of all types and sizes and in all geographic areas of the state. In virtually every case, remedial action was taken, such as shutting down the water fountain or putting up a sign that says "DO NOT DRINK."

At least 253 New Jersey schools have reported high levels of lead in drinking water and there could be more as the data continues to be developed. See the full list of schools HERE.

The Berkeley Heights schools that tested, in at least one spot in their facility, and discovered lead exceeding 15 parts per billion include:

• Columbia Middle School
• Governor Livingston High School
• Mary Kay McMillin Early Childhood Center
• Mountain Park Elementary School
• Thomas P. Hughes Elementary School
• William Woodruff Elementary School

A level of 15 parts per billion is set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency as the maximum allowable amount, as lead in drinking water can have serious health impacts, especially for children.

The state Board of Education adopted the lead-testing requirements in July 2016 in the wake of the Flint, Michigan, water crisis that grabbed national headlines and raised concerns about school children being exposed to lead in their drinking water.

(Image via Shutterstock)

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