MEMPHIS, Tenn. – Memphis-Shelby County Schools (MSCS) confirmed Monday that an unsafe level of lead was found in the water sources at Bellevue Middle School but said it has “worked diligently” to reduce potential exposure.
“Based on the results of testing, and within 24 hours, we immediately removed the affected drinking water sources from service,” MSCS said in a statement. “While the results identified specific water sources with elevated lead levels, it is important to note that this does not indicate widespread contamination throughout the school, and as more permanent measures are underway, we will continue to conduct subsequent retesting of those water sources.”
In a letter to parents and teachers of Bellevue, the school district said that it had received lead water testing results on July 27 that found certain drinking sources at Bellevue Middle School had equal or more than twenty parts per billion, or 20 ppb. “When a lead sample is detected at or above this level, we take immediate steps to address the source of lead to protect children and staff,” the school district said…