4 sinks on CMS properties tested positive for high levels of lead

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools updated parents Tuesday evening on the safety of the drinking water at their child’s school.

CMS is in the middle of testing all schools for lead. The dangerous problem was discovered when CMS tested the drinking water in 58 schools.

District leaders, including the superintendent, addressed their lead tests at University Park Creative Arts School, which is one of 27 schools found to have lead levels above drinking water standards.

Water testing results were finished for 15 of 35 sites, CMS said Tuesday.

Four spots were found to have high lead levels:

• A sink at Bishop Spaugh, which is a district administrative center
• A sink in the teachers' lounge of the Project L.I.F.T. Graham Center at West Charlotte High.
• Two classroom sinks at The Performance Learning Center.
• Kitchen sink in the press box concession stand at West Charlotte High

CMS says All five sinks have been taken out of service.

[ALSO READ: Report on lead in water at CMS Schools 'eye-opening,' group says]

On Monday, Channel 9 education reporter Elsa Gillis obtained safety reports that showed the lead toxins were discovered in school kitchens where student food was cooked, as well as in classroom water fountains and a nurse’s office.

CMS officials said they took action by replacing, repairing or removing all of the trouble spots.

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CMS has not said how often the sinks and fountains were used, how many students had access to them, or how the district will monitor lead levels in older schools moving forward.

Health experts said there were no serious health concerns for children.

CMS is currently conducting voluntary testing for all schools.

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