BHAS releases data showing lead-affected fixtures inside school buildings

BENTON HARBOR, Mich. --- New data shows Benton Harbor students still in danger of lead poisoning.

Five fixtures in occupied buildings tested at or above Benton Harbor Area Schools lead standard of 5 parts per billion. The school district requested all of its fixtures to be tested when 27 out of 130 homes in the City of Benton Harbor tested beyond the EPA's federal action level of 15 parts per billion. 

"It's highly unlikely that any of our students have been exposed to the lead in the water lines," said Dr. Robert Herrera, BHAS CEO/Superintendent. 

Dr. Herrera said the lead affected fixtures within the district will be fixed by January 1. He said the district was not required or mandated to test the fixture because as a public school each building gets its water from the city. 

"We went one step beyond the 15 parts per billion to make sure that all of our fixtures were producing water at the five parts per billion," Dr. Herrera said.

Since reports of lead in drinking water were released, Dr. Herrera said for the safety of students the district stopped using drinking water fixtures and provided students with bottled water. ABC 57 News asked Dr. Herrera what his action plan will be if the city finds its water has become affected by lead. 

“If something were to happen within the city I have complete confidence within the city to resolve their own issues," Dr. Herrera said. "So we would not get contaminated water from the city.”