CHARLOTTE, N.C. — A new report released Monday by the Charlotte-Mecklenburg School (CMS) district shows more than two dozen elementary schools had high levels of lead found in older plumbing.

  • The voluntary program wasn't in response to any specific incident but instead as a way to be proactive
  • The first round of testing started last fall at 58 elementary and kindergarten through 8th grade schools
  • Six states require school districts to test for lead in the water and North Carolina isn't one of them

CMS officials said this voluntary program wasn't in response to any specific incident but instead as a way to be proactive.        

The district is working with outside consultants to conduct these water quality tests. The first round of testing started last fall at 58 elementary and kindergarten through 8th grade schools.

Based on recommendations from experts, the district started with those schools in particular because younger children are more vulnerable to the effects of poor water quality.

CMS officials said there aren't any issues that would affect an entire school but they had to replace or repair several faucets, filters and other plumbing fixtures.

Eventually all CMS schools will be tested with a priority facilities built before 1989. Right now, there are 32 schools built before 1989 that haven't been checked yet as the new school year starts later this month.

CMS officials said they will notify parents when schools are tested and send updates if there are any serious concerns. 

Six states require school districts to test for lead in the water and North Carolina isn't one of them.

You can find more information about the report, here.