OFF-LIMITS

Lead Found in Water at 14 Chicago Schools

Unclear how long it has been contaminated.

More than a dozen Chicago public schools have been forced to shut down water fountains and bring in bottled water after test results revealed dangerously high levels of lead. Chicago school district officials said Thursday that out of 65 schools tested, 14 had been found to have lead in the drinking water. Parents of the children will be notified and the full list of schools released afterward. The tests began in April after it became known that the water quality hadn't been checked in years. A representative for the school district described the testing as “proactive steps” taken amid increased awareness of lead poisoning following the scandal in Flint, Michigan. It is unclear how long the water at the affected schools was contaminated. Lead poisoning can cause permanent damage to the brains of young children, as well as numerous other health problems.