Newark Schools Reopen, Not Water Fountains, After Lead Scare
NEWARK, N.J. (CBSNewYork/AP) -- Schools are reopening in Newark, but water fountains remain offline after last spring's lead scare.
Officials say bottled water will be distributed for the next month at the district's 30 schools. The district expects to reopen water fountains by October.
At American History High, which had some higher lead levels, a mom named Bonnie is still worried, 1010 WINS' Glenn Schuck reported.
"I really don't think it's going to be fixed," she said. "Because if it was something that has accumulated over the years, it should have already been solved. But they haven't solved it so who says they're going to solve it now."
But another mom tried to stay confident.
"I'm very comfortable with them being safe right now," she said. "My concern is what is going to take place in 30 days."
In March, Newark revealed that half its aging school buildings contained lead-tainted water.
Recent results from about 300 drinking water outlets throughout the district showed the water was safe in the majority of drinking water outlets.
The district says it wants to hold community meetings to explain the testing results before reopening the water fountains.
City officials have said the levels were contained to school buildings, not from the city's water source. The lead is likely from pipes and other infrastructure in the aging school buildings.
In New York, Governover Andrew Cuomo signed landmark legislation to test school drinking water for lead.
"These rigorous new protections for New York's children include the toughest lead contamination testing standards in the nation, and provide clear guidance to schools on when and how they should test their water," Governor Cuomo said. "As children begin another school year, I'm proud to sign this legislation, which marks a major step forward in protecting the public health and ensuring the future growth and success of students across the state."
As 1010 WINS reported, New York will become the first state in the nation to complete lead testing in all school districts by the end of 2016.
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