High lead levels were found in the drinking water of 24 York Region schools in 2016.
While Sutton District High School didn’t test as high as the Richmond Hill school, it failed 17 of its 20 tests with results ranging from 46 PPB to 10 PPB from July to September in 2016.
“We take action to remediate the problem immediately when exceedances occur,” YRDSB environmental safety officer Kori Zsigmond said.
If there is any question about water quality, the taps are bagged and sealed to prevent use, bottled water is provided and parents will be notified.
According to Health Canada, the toxicity of lead has been extensively documented in humans, based on blood lead levels. The strongest effect of exposure documented is in children and reductions in intelligence quotient (IQ) scores.
While 10 PPB or under is considered acceptable lead levels in drinking water across the province, organizations like the World Health Organization warns that any lead exposure is too much.
Standing and flushed water are tested.