The Minnesota Department of Health has released an interactive online map showing lead level test results in drinking water at all state public and charter schools and licensed child care centers.
Since 2017, state law has required public and charter schools to test for lead in drinking water every five years and make results publicly available.
As of this past July, a new law requires licensed child chare centers to begin testing drinking water for lead and for schools and child care centers to report their test results to the state department of health. The map is part of the reporting requirement of that law.
Schools and child care centers are at different periods in their testing cycles so the map is not complete, according to MDH officials. The most recent test results from a specific school or center should be available from the site when requested.
No lead was detected in 76% of the drinking water fixtures tested in the first 190 schools and child care centers that reported to MDH. Less than 5% of fixtures had lead levels of five parts per billion or more, the level at which a fixture must be shut off until corrective action is taken and a follow-up test to ensure water safety.
Water remaining in pipes during long breaks can cause elevated lead levels, according to the department, making testing in schools and child care centers especially important. In Minnesota, most elevated lead levels in blood are caused by exposure to lead paint and dust rather and rarely by drinking water alone. Elevated blood lead levels in children are linked to health issues, including learning and behavior problems.
Schools and child care centers are encouraged to check their testing schedules and report results as required. More information on MDH work to protect drinking water in schools and child care can be found on the department website. Actions that individuals can take to reduce exposure also are provided by the department. More information is also available at data.web.health.state.mn.us/lead.
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