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Tests Find High Lead Levels in Elementary School's Water

BENTON, Maine - State toxicologists are investigating high lead levels in the water at Benton Elementary School. The school shut off water used for drinking and cooking after lead was found.

One test found lead levels more than 40 times the federal standard. The general manager of the Kennebec Water District Jeff LaCasse says the source is likely within the school.

“Most of the time, the solution to this, or the mitigation, is to replace the problem areas, whether it’s pipes or fixtures or both,” LaCasse said.

LaCasse says the district’s water is safe, but individual structures can have issues. The Kennebec Water District has been testing schools as a courtesy in the wake of the lead crisis in Flint, Michigan.

LaCasse says a recently formed statewide group is also encouraging water districts across the state to offer lead testing for schools.

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