Report: Mass. not doing enough to address high lead levels in school drinking water

Massachusetts has scored low marks in a nationwide report testing lead in school drinking water.

The "Get Out The Lead" report by MassPIRG and Environment Massachusetts found more than half of the 43,000 taps tested in 980 Mass. schools from 2016-2018 tested positive for lead. Most higher than those recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics.

They presented their findings at the State House Thursday.

"We believe that every child, in every school, no matter their age or the age of the building they're learning in, should have access to safe water," said Emma Dietz, Clean Water Program, Environment Massachusetts.

>> PREVIOUS REPORT: Dangerous lead levels still found in Mass. schools' drinking water

Last fall, Boston 25 News anchor Jason Law analyzed more than 12,200 test results submitted to MassDEP in 2018 revealed more than 650 instances of a school fixture showing dangerous levels of lead.

In Brockton, they've been proactive.

"We replaced over 100 of our water bubblers throughout our 23 schools," said Deputy Superintendent of Operations for Brockton Public Schools Michael Thomas.

>> MORE: Firefighting foam linked to water contamination across Massachusetts

State Representative Lori Ehrlich introduced the "Safe Drinking Water at Schools Act" in January 2017 with State Sen. Joan Lovely.

It would "require schools to replaced lead service lines conduct mandatory tests and be transparent about the results."

It languished in the House but was refiled this season.

"I've worked on efforts that take ten years to get through the legislature. We file thousands of bills and only 100 something actually passes, but I'm not backing down on this one," said Ehrlich.

Governor Charlie Baker has proposed up to $30 million in his budget for lead remediation in schools.

>> Cleanup of PFAS chemicals in drinking water underway in wells near Fort Devens

Cox Media Group