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May 05, 2016 - 10:26 AM
PENTICTON - Officials with the Okanagan Skaha School district are taking action after the discovery of elevated levels of lead in the tap water at three schools in Penticton.
The schools affected include Uplands Elementary, West Bench Elementary and McNicoll Park Middle School, according to a School District 67 media release.
Steps being taken to ensure students’ safety, the release says. Bottled water has been brought it for drinking, and students at the affected schools have been asked to fill water bottles at home to bring to school. The water is safe for washing hands.
The lead was detected following water tests conducted after concerns were raised in Prince Rupert where similar results were discovered, superintendent of schools Wendy Hyer says in the release.
The school district believes the elevated lead levels are from lead in pipes and plumbing components.
The district is pursuing longer term solutions, including a possible daily flushing program, Hyer says.
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