Several of the schools in Evanston/Skokie District 65 were found to have water in sinks, drinking fountains and other fixtures that have elevated lead levels, results from November laboratory testing indicated.
In all, 62 sinks and drinking fountains spread across 13 of the district’s elementary schools were impacted, and in most cases shuttered until they can be fixed.
According to information school district officials sent to parents and staff Dec. 12, the sinks and fountains at issue were turned off immediately and will be repaired.
The issue was caught as part of state-mandated testing.
Evanston/Skokie School Dist.
The schools tested included Washington Elementary, which was built in 1901, several built in the 40s and 50s and Park Elementary, which was constructed in 1980.
"It’s really not an issue for drinking water," Messinger said.
Raphael Obafemi, the district’s chief financial and operations officer, said he does not yet have an estimated cost to fix the contaminated sinks and fountains.
Obafemi said the latest lead issues do not appear to be related to the pending lawsuits against Nicor and ComEd by the City of Evanston.
65’s test results follow a decision this summer to turn off 10 city water fountains due to lead contamination.