Lead testing in school water expands to more Mass. districts

QUINCY, Mass. — Another Massachusetts school district will begin testing its water for lead this fall.

Quincy Superintendent Richard Decristofaro told FOX25 he wants to make sure students in all 19 facilities have access to safe drinking water.

The testing is part of a larger effort across the state to determine what's coming out of bubblers. Earlier this year, Natick found elevated level of lead in its water and offered students bottled water for several weeks. 

"The goal of this initiative is to ensure access to safe drinking water for all students," Decristofaro wrote in a letter to parents.

Quincy is one of nearly 1,000 public schools and child care centers participating in the statewide program.

The school district told FOX25 testing will begin Sept.19 and conclude Oct. 23. The testing will be done between 5 a.m. and 7 a.m., so as not to interrupt the school day.

"It's certainly got to be one of the top issues for parents around the country. I think a lot of people think it's just urban districts because of Flint or Detroit. Everyone is drinking water," said Bill McNeil, who has two school-aged daughters.

Boston Public Schools found high levels of lead in six buildings this week. Water fountains in those buildings were immediately shut down and replaced them with bottled water coolers.

The town of Wilmington also found elevated lead levels in 52 school faucets.

Cox Media Group