Study reveals concerns for lead in school drinking water, Altoona included

HARRISBURG, Pa. (WTAJ)– The statewide non-profit group PennEnvironment Research and Policy Center released a new study on Wednesday showing how Pennsylvania school districts regularly expose children to lead in school drinking water.

The study uncovered shortcomings at nine school districts across the state, including the Altoona Area School District. Data was collected for the study through right-to-know requests, and the schools were selected based on a number of factors including size and location.

At a news conference Wednesday, Executive Director of PennEnvironment David Masur shared why he feels the study is necessary.

“Medical research is crystal clear,” Masur said. “There is no safe level of lead, especially for children.”

According to the organization’s data, Altoona public schools failed to meet sufficient standards in every category they examined. That includes a lack of public meetings on water issues and no annual testing. It also said that few outlets were tested.

The organization added that the results that were collected were hard to find and weren’t posted to the state Department of Education’s website.

“Pennsylvania school districts regularly put children at risk of becoming exposed to lead,” Masur said.

In response to the study’s findings, Masur is calling on the general assembly to immediately implement pending bipartisan house and senate bills, House Bill 2011 and Senate Bill 986.

“These would require all Pennsylvania school districts to implement the Filter First Program and replace drinking fountains that pose a risk of lead contamination with lead filtering water, bottle filling stations and drinking fountains. The legislation also includes funding to help Pennsylvania school districts cover the cost of these much-needed upgrades to protect kids health,” Masur said.

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WTAJ reached out the Altoona Area School District for a comment on the results of the study but has not heard back yet.

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