Detroit Public Schools Community District has so far secured $2.4 million to deal with a widespread lead/copper water contamination problem in its buildings, including separate $500,000 pledges from United Way for Southeastern Michigan and Quicken Loans Community Fund.
The Detroit public school district plans to buy 818 clean water stations for its 106 schools as part of a $3 million effort to deal with high copper and/or lead levels in school buildings’ water.
DPSCD, United Way and the Quicken Loans Community Fund announced the "permanent solution" Tuesday afternoon, soon after the Detroit school board unanimously approved the new plan.
The district’s plan involves installing new Elkay "hydration station" drinking fountains and filtration systems that cool water and remove contaminants.
We stand firmly with the District in putting the safety of our children first and ask the community’s support of our special campaign so that students have access to clean drinking water."
United Way is seeking donations to its Detroit schools water fund on a new website, UnitedWayWaterFund.org.
Donations are funding a substantial portion of costs, but the rest will come from the district’s coffers.
Since Vitti shut off drinking water access, the more than 50,000 students and staff have been drinking out of coolers and bottles.
DPSCD is to purchase water coolers through June 30 from Absopure for $750,000.
The district is still waiting for water test results from 17 schools.