LEON COUNTY, Fla. (WTXL) - Water testing at some schools in Leon and Wakulla counties show high levels of lead, based on a recent study by local researchers.
Dr. Vincent Salters with the National Magnet Lab said, "I think this is a problem that really needs to be addressed. People really need to be careful of lead in their homes, too."
Samples were collected from water fountains and cafeterias in several schools, including Ruediger Elementary and Killearn Lakes Elementary.
The Environmental Protection Agency sets the lead threshold at 15 parts per billion. Out of the schools tested, two had elevated levels.
Researchers say there's a strong correlation between lead levels in water and students' IQ levels.
"The parents should ask the school what are they doing, what do they know about the lead level in their drinking fountain. If the school says, 'We don't know,' then they should prompt the school to do the testing," said Dr. Salters.
The testing was done in light of national scrutiny of lead levels after the Flint water crisis.
City officials said the water is tested regularly and that there are no indications that water quality is unsafe to drink.
