Memphis, August 11, 2025
News Summary
Memphis-Shelby County Schools has revealed elevated lead levels in the water supply of 22 schools and two football stadiums. Testing indicates 27 sources showed unsafe lead levels, leading the district to take immediate action. Parents are concerned, particularly about health risks for their children. MSCS is temporarily shutting down affected water sources and conducting further testing, while encouraging parents to consult pediatricians about potential lead exposure. The district aims to ensure clear communication and restore safe drinking water to the affected facilities.
Memphis – Memphis-Shelby County Schools (MSCS) has confirmed elevated lead levels detected in various water sources at 22 schools and two football stadiums. As students returned to classes, testing showed that 27 individual water sources exhibited unsafe lead levels, warranting immediate action from the district.
The detected lead levels were above 15 parts per billion (ppb), and while the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has set the legal safety standard at 20 ppb, health experts caution that any level of lead exposure is concerning, particularly for children. This situation is alarming as lead exposure can lead to serious health issues, especially for young developing minds.
The types of water sources affected include:
- 17 kitchen sinks
- 5 concession areas or stadiums
- 2 ice machines
- 2 water fountains
- 1 hallway sink
In response to the findings, MSCS has taken all affected water sources offline and is conducting further retesting to ensure the safety of the water supplied to students. The district is focused on achieving clear communication with parents regarding environmental health safety and the corrective actions being undertaken.
Concerns have emerged from parents, particularly regarding the timing of the notification about the lead contamination. Parents like Alvin Jackson, who has a daughter attending Sheffield Elementary, voiced worries about potential health risks, especially since his child had previously consumed water from the contaminated sources.
Among the schools identified as having at least one source affected are:
- Bellevue Middle School
- Bolto High Stadium
- Central High School
- Cromwell Elementary
- Middle College Ford Road Elementary
- Geeter Middle School
- Georgian Hills Elementary
- Germantown High Stadium
- Invictus Academy at Airways
- Jackson Elementary
- Kingsbury Middle
- Northeast Prep Academy
- Oak Forest Elementary
- Peabody Elementary
- Raleigh – Bartlett Meadows Elementary
- Raleigh Egypt High and Middle
- Sheffield Career and Technical Center
- Sheffield Elementary
- Southwest Career and Technical School
- Treadwell Middle
- White Station High
- Whitehaven Elementary
- STEM School
In light of these developments, health experts emphasize the importance of precaution. Medical professionals recommend that parents consult with pediatricians about lead exposure blood tests for their children, underscoring that all levels of lead exposure are of concern.
MSCS has assured the community of its commitment to taking proactive measures to restore safe drinking water at the affected schools and will continue testing to address this critical situation. The district recognizes the importance of transparency and is actively working to keep parents informed about environmental health safety and the progress of corrective actions.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What lead levels were found in the water?
- Lead levels above 15 parts per billion (ppb) were detected in various water sources, exceeding the legal safety standard set by the EPA at 20 ppb.
- How many schools are affected?
- Elevated lead levels were detected at 22 schools and two football stadiums.
- What actions are being taken by MSCS?
- MSCS has taken all affected water sources offline and is undergoing retesting to ensure safety. They are also communicating with parents about environmental health safety.
- What should parents do about potential lead exposure?
- Parents are encouraged to consult with their pediatricians regarding blood tests for lead exposure.
- Why are lead levels a concern, especially for children?
- Even low levels of lead exposure can be harmful, negatively affecting the health and development of children.
Key Features of the Issue
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Affected Facilities | 22 schools and 2 football stadiums |
| Water Sources Affected | 27 individual sources, including sinks, fountains, and ice machines |
| Lead Level Detected | Above 15 parts per billion (ppb) |
| Safety Standard | Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) set at 20 ppb |
| School Names Included | Central High School, Sheffield Elementary, Germantown High, etc. |
| Health Recommendations | Pediatrician consultations for blood tests |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
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Additional Resources
- Fox 13 Memphis
- Wikipedia: Lead (Pb)
- WREG News
- Google Search: Lead Contamination in Schools
- Local Memphis
- Google Scholar: Lead Exposure Health Effects
- Action News 5
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Lead
- Commercial Appeal
- Google News: Memphis Schools Lead Water Levels
Author: STAFF HERE MEMPHIS WRITER
The MEMPHIS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREMemphis.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Memphis, Shelby County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the areaโwith deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Beale Street Music Festival, Elvis Week, and Memphis in May International Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Memphis Chamber and the Memphis Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in logistics, healthcare, and music that power the local economy such as FedEx, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, and AutoZone. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBristol.com, HEREChattanooga.com, HEREKnoxville.com, and HERENashville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.
