Nearly twenty years ago, Baltimore City schools shut off the majority of its drinking fountains to eliminate the risk of lead poisoning — instead opting to use five-gallon water jugs. That switch has caused a lot of relief, but it also comes with a new set of issues.
Baltimore Teachers Union Treasurer Zach Taylor says it’s “not as uncommon as it should be” for schools to run out of water, due to delayed deliveries or increased use.
“We’ve had teachers go to grocery stores or Costco before the day even begins and bring water themselves to provide drinking water for their students,” Taylor said. “It’s created a big hurdle.”…