West Central Reporter

The River Forest School District recently reported that the amounts of lead and copper in District 90 faucets and water fountains have dropped to safe levels after a series of efforts to remedy the problem, which was found at the beginning of the school year.

When this school year began, elevated levels of copper and lead were noted in some spigots, faucets and water fountains within the school district.

The district worked on correcting the issue and tested the water again on Jan. 6. All water sources tested at or below the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) thresholds, meaning the water is safe to drink.

The district hired an environmental consulting firm to test the water for lead and copper in all of its buildings over the summer. During that round of tests, 10 water sources in school buildings had elevated lead or copper levels.

Problem spots were immediately disconnected, and repairs were made to remedy the situation. More repairs were made until, finally, no water sources contained elevated levels of copper or lead.

Lead and other metals in water became a concern around the country after the city of Flint, Michigan, experienced a citywide water crisis due to elevated lead levels found in most homes and buildings.