A dripping faucet. Photo by Danny Steaven. Source: Wikimedia commons

An effort to test DeKalb County Schools for lead contamination has already shown elevated levels in two local schools.

Both the Museum School in Avondale Estates and the International Community School in Medlock Park were found to have lead levels greater than 15 parts per billion. Tests at the Museum School showed four drinking water sources out of 32 were contaminated. At ICS, two out of 24 drinking water sources were contaminated.

To read the letter sent to the Museum School community, click here.

To read the letter sent to ICS, click here.

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So far five county schools have been identified, including the Museum School and ICS. The other schools are Redan Elementary School, Stone Mountain Elementary School and Allgood Elementary School.

In both cases, the water sources have been turned off and the fixtures and piping will be replaced, letters from the county to parents say.

DeKalb County Schools launched the new lead testing program last month.

“Recent events have brought national attention to water quality issues,” a letter from the county announcing the testing said. “Please understand that we have absolutely no evidence of water quality issues in any school or building. Still, we want students, staff, and the community to know our water is safe for consumption.”

Recent tests by Atlanta Public Schools found elevated lead levels in drinking water in half of the schools tested, according to the Atlanta Journal Constitution. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, even low levels of lead in drinking water can cause a number of health issues for children, including a lower IQ and behavioral problems. Homes built before 1986 are more likely to have lead pipes and other building materials containing lead.

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