FORT WORTH, Texas (AP) – The Fort Worth school district is replacing hundreds of drinking fountains after testing this summer found unsafe levels of lead in the water.
The lead was found in a certain style of fountain that allows water to sit as it is chilled, the Fort Worth Star-Telegram reported. District officials told the newspaper that they believe the issue arose this summer after water was allowed to sit and chill in the fountains.
The 86,000-student Fort Worth Independent School District had been in the process of replacing many older-style fountains in its schools but quickened the pace after safety concerns were raised, the newspaper reported.
District spokesman Clint Bond said the district began testing water at its 140 campuses in June.