Memphis, TN, August 11, 2025
News Summary
Drinking water sources have been shut off at 24 schools in the Memphis-Shelby County district after tests revealed elevated lead levels. The affected schools, built before 1998, were disconnected from water supplies as a precautionary measure. MSCS has provided bottled water and filtration machines for students. While lead was detected at levels exceeding federal limits in some areas, the district is committed to ensuring safe drinking water and addressing infrastructure challenges. Retesting will occur to monitor the situation.
MEMPHIS, TN – Drinking water sources have been shut off at 24 Memphis-Shelby County Schools (MSCS) after routine testing revealed elevated levels of lead in the water. This action comes following state law requirements mandating schools built before 1998 to undergo lead testing every two years.
The affected schools, all constructed over 27 years ago, have had drinking water sources disconnected as a precautionary measure. Each school’s parent community was notified in compliance with state regulations. Although MSCS’s interim superintendent, Dr. Roderick Richmond, confirmed the finding of lead traces at some schools, a specific list of impacted schools was not provided immediately. However, a list of the 24 schools where water testing indicated lead levels exceeding the acceptable threshold has since been released.
Initial testing results have shown that lead levels at some of these schools were detected at or above 20 parts per billion (ppb), exceeding the federal threshold of 15 ppb. The district has emphasized that in some instances, only areas such as sports stadiums showed positive results for lead traces. In response to the findings, MSCS has swiftly enacted corrective measures, including the provision of bottled drinking water and the installation of water filtration machines throughout all schools.
Dr. Richmond highlighted the district’s aging infrastructure as a significant challenge that MSCS must address in the upcoming school year. He noted the importance of these measures as the district continues to develop a longer-term action plan aimed at minimizing exposure to lead in drinking water.
According to regulations following the Lead and Copper Rule, further testing is mandatory when lead levels exceed the stated threshold. The implementation of immediate response measures represents MSCS’s commitment to student safety and health. The detection of lead, while serious, does not imply that there is widespread contamination throughout the school districtโs water systems. MSCS has committed to retesting the water sources to help maintain oversight and ensure that the situation is effectively managed.
Both the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) maintain that no amount of lead in drinking water is considered safe, especially for children. Lead can often enter the drinking water supply as a result of corroded plumbing, particularly in water with acidic properties or minimal mineral content.
In summary, Memphis-Shelby County Schools are actively working on both immediate and long-term solutions to tackle the detected lead issues and ensure safe drinking water is accessible to all students across the district.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Why were drinking water sources shut off in the schools?
Drinking water sources were shut off due to routine testing revealing elevated lead levels that exceed acceptable safety thresholds.
2. How many schools are affected?
A total of 24 Memphis-Shelby County Schools have been identified as having lead levels above the acceptable limit following testing.
3. What actions has MSCS taken since discovering lead in the water?
MSCS has disconnected affected water sources and provided bottled water and water filtration machines to ensure safe drinking water for students.
4. Are all schools built before 1998 subject to lead testing?
Yes, state law requires all schools built before 1998 to be tested for lead every two years to protect student health.
5. What are the potential sources of lead in drinking water?
Lead can enter drinking water primarily from corroded plumbing systems, especially in water that is acidic or has low mineral content.
Key Features Overview
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Lead Levels Detected | Lead levels at or above 20 ppb in 24 affected schools. |
| Immediate Actions | Disconnection of water sources, provision of bottled water, and water filtration machines. |
| Legislation Compliance | Routine testing every two years for schools built before 1998. |
| Regulatory Standards | Follow the Lead and Copper Rule for further testing and action if lead levels exceed 15 ppb. |
| Long-Term Solutions | MSCS is working on plans to address infrastructure challenges and reduce lead exposure. |
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Additional Resources
- Memphis-Shelby County Schools Start Date – Commercial Appeal
- Wikipedia: Lead Contamination in Drinking Water
- Lead Traces Found in MSCS Schools – Action News 5
- Google Search: Memphis Schools Lead Contamination
- Back to School Photos – Fox13 Memphis
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Lead
- Memphis School Start Dates Fall 2025 – Commercial Appeal
- Google News: Memphis-Shelby County Schools
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.
