24 MSCS Schools Discover Lead in Water as District Tackles Aging Pipes

Lead Contamination Found in Drinking Water at Several Schools

Recent water testing has revealed traces of lead in the drinking water sources at multiple schools within the Memphis-Shelby County Schools (MSCS) district. This discovery has led to the temporary shutdown of certain water sources, particularly at schools that were constructed more than 27 years ago. Parents have been informed of these findings as required by state regulations.

Dr. Roderick Richmond, the interim superintendent of MSCS, addressed the issue on the first day of the new school year. He mentioned that a few schools have confirmed the presence of lead, though he was not able to provide specific numbers or names at the time. A list released by the district later identified 24 schools where recent tests showed lead levels exceeding the standard threshold.

Schools Affected by Elevated Lead Levels

The following schools were found to have lead levels above 20 parts per billion (ppb):

• Bellevue Middle School
• Geeter Middle School
• Northwest Prep Academy at Macon
• Sheffield Career and Technical Center
• Bolton High Stadium
• Georgian Hills Elementary
• Oak Forest Elementary School
• Sheffield Elementary School
• Central High School
• Germantown High Stadium
• Peabody Elementary School
• Southwest Career and Technical School
• Cromwell Elementary School
• Invictus Academy at Airways
• Raleigh-Bartlett Meadows Elementary
• Treadwell Middle School
• Middle College
• Jackson Elementary
• Raleigh Egypt High School
• White Station High School
• Ford Road Elementary School
• Kingsbury Middle School
• Raleigh Egypt Middle School
• Whitehaven Elementary STEM School

Dr. Richmond emphasized that the district’s aging infrastructure is one of the challenges he plans to address this school year. He assured parents that affected water sources have been shut off and that bottled water and filtration machines are available to ensure student safety.

State Regulations and Testing Procedures

Under state law, all schools built before 1998 must be tested for lead every two years. The "Lead and Copper Rule" requires public water systems to take action if lead levels exceed 15 ppb. Recent test results from last week indicated that 24 schools had lead levels at or above 20 ppb.

In a letter sent to parents at Bellevue Middle School, the district stated that immediate steps were taken to address the lead sources within 24 hours. The district outlined its action plan, which includes removing affected water sources from service and conducting retesting as permanent solutions are implemented.

Health Risks of Lead Exposure

Both the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) highlight the dangers of lead exposure, especially for children. Lead can enter drinking water when plumbing materials containing lead corrode, often due to high acidity or low mineral content in the water. Common sources include lead pipes, faucets, and fixtures.

Even low levels of lead in children's blood can cause serious health issues, such as behavior and learning problems, lower IQ, hyperactivity, slowed growth, hearing problems, and anemia. The EPA states that no amount of lead in drinking water is considered safe.

Ongoing Efforts to Ensure Safety

MSCS is working on long-term solutions to resolve the elevated lead levels. In the meantime, students and staff have access to bottled water and water filtration machines to ensure they can drink safely. The district continues to take proactive steps to maintain safe and secure school environments for all students and staff.