Lead found in water of a drinking fountain at FUSD elementary school
Fresno Unified says water from a drinking fountain at Addams Elementary School has tested positive for lead.
The fountain has been on the campus for the last 10 years. District spokeswoman Jessica Baird said Friday it was unclear whether it has been in use the whole time.
The fountain has been removed and will be replaced before the start of the next school year, according to Baird. There are still summer school classes taking place on the campus.
The city of Fresno had been conducting the tests as part of a new state law mandating lead testing on all school campuses.
Addams, on McKinley Avenue just west of Highway 99, serves approximately 800 K-6 students, nearly all of whom receive free or reduced-price meals.
The finding was the first positive result out of 30 Fresno Unified sites tested, according to the district. Testing at all the district’s schools will be complete by January.
The district's statement encouraged parents to contact the county health department for lead testing, however, the Fresno County Department of Public Health does not conduct lead testing. Parents who worry their child has been exposed to lead should check with their medical provider.
The sites that have already been tested:
June 13 – Edison Computech, King Elementary, Calwa Elementary
June 14 – Terronez Middle, Sequoia Middle, Sunnyside High
June 15 – Ayer Elementary, Cambridge Continuation High, Burroughs Elementary
June 20 – Phoenix Secondary, Lowell Elementary, Addams Elementary
June 21 – Balderas Elementary, Roosevelt High, Rowell Elementary
June 22 – Fremont Elementary, Fresno High, Birney Elementary, Dewolf Continuation High
June 27 – Yosemite Middle, Vinland Elementary, Thomas Elementary, Tioga Middle
June 28 – Del Mar Elementary, Powers/Ginsburg Elementary, Tenaya Middle
June 29 – Ahwahnee Middle, Eaton Elementary, Hoover High, Yokomi Elementary
Aleksandra Appleton, @aleksappleton, 559-341-3747
This story was originally published July 6, 2018 at 3:54 PM with the headline "Lead found in water of a drinking fountain at FUSD elementary school."