According to a recently published report, nearly 200 water fountains and sinks in public schools of Jersey City are contaminated with lead at levels higher than acceptable standards set by the EPA for lead in drinking water. In one water fountain the levels of lead were 800 times higher the acceptable safety levels set by the EPA, while in 37 other cases levels of lead were 100 times greater than the acceptable standard.

According to a spokeswoman for the school district, the affected water fountains and sinks were not currently in use and had been decommissioned for many years. However, a group of concerned parents, 'Jersey City Parents for Progress', led by Ellen Simon, fear that while this may be the case, there is a chance that in a few years time someone may reactivate them, forgetting why they were shut off in the first place. The other concern that the group has is that sinks used in pre-K classes for hygiene lessons, which includes lessons on toothbrushing, were not tested for lead.

According to the report approximately 1,017 water fountains and sinks were tested between October 2012 and January 2013, with schools 5, 9, 23, 25, 27, 29 annex, 31 and Zero Tolerance, an alternative program at the Bright Street Academy, being the worst effected.

The report shows that School 25 on Kennedy Boulevard exhibits the most problems, with 20 water fountains and sinks and fountains containing lead levels that exceed federal safety standards, while School 41 on Wilkinson Avenue has 18 contaminated sinks and water fountains. The ice machine at Snyder High School contained lead levels 20 times higher than the EPA standard, and at School 16 a sink used by the school nurse contained lead at levels three times higher than the standard.

Testing showed that 174 water fountains and sinks in the Jersey City school district met or exceeded maximum lead levels of 15 parts per billion recommended by the EPA for drinking water. A water fountain at Zero Tolerance had lead levels of 12,800 parts per billion – 853 times more than recommended by the EPA!

A similar round of testing conducted in 2010 by a separate environmental remediation company showed 108 water fountains and sinks to be contaminated. The number has clearly risen and appears to be widespread rather than an isolated case. There also appears to not be any city-wide solution on the table due to the high costs involved.

Lead is particularly harmful to children and infants and children; it can stunt physical and mental development, and can reduce concentration and cause learning problems. Long term exposure to lead in drinking water can result in high blood pressure and kidney problems in adulthood.

If you're concerned about the possibility of your child being exposure to lead in drinking water it would be prudent to send them to school equipped with a water bottle filled from a source that is known to be lead-free. Alternatively provide your child with a portable water filtration solution, such as a refillable Sport Berkey filter drinking bottle, which will remove any contaminants that may be present in the drinking water, including lead to ensure your child remains safe.