Memphis, August 11, 2025
News Summary
Testing by Memphis-Shelby County Schools revealed elevated lead levels in water sources across 24 campuses and two football stadiums. A total of 27 water sources exceeded EPA’s safety standard of 20 ppb, including kitchen sinks, stadium concession areas, and water fountains. Parents and health officials are concerned about the potential health risks of lead exposure, especially for children, leading MSCS to shut down affected sources and provide bottled water while remediation efforts begin.
Memphis
Recent testing conducted by Memphis-Shelby County Schools (MSCS) has identified elevated lead levels in water sources across 24 school campuses and two football stadiums. A total of 27 individual water sources were found to exceed the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) safety standard of 20 parts per billion (ppb), with readings registering above 15 ppb.
The affected water sources, which include 17 kitchen sinks, 5 concession areas or stadiums, 2 ice machines, 2 water fountains, and 1 hallway sink, have raised significant concerns among parents, students, and health officials due to the potential health risks associated with lead exposure.
Schools with at least one water source exceeding the state-allowed lead levels include:
- Bellevue Middle School
- Bolton 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 (Macon)
- Oak Forest Elementary
- Peabody Elementary
- Raleigh – Bartlett Meadows Elementary
- Raleigh Egypt High
- Raleigh Egypt Middle
- Sheffield Career and Technical Center
- Sheffield Elementary
- Southwest Career and Technical School
- Treadwell Middle
- White Station High
- Whitehaven Elementary
- STEM School
In response to the test results, MSCS has immediately shut down any water sources that tested above the allowed threshold and has initiated retesting procedures at the affected sites. District officials clarified that elevated lead levels were restricted to specific fixtures and not indicative of widespread contamination throughout the school buildings.
Parents of students in the affected schools have voiced their concerns over the timing of the notification regarding the lead contamination. Public health experts emphasize that any exposure to lead is concerning, particularly for children, as lead is a known toxin that can negatively impact brain development. Health recommendations suggest that parents discuss blood testing for lead exposure with their child’s pediatrician, as proactive measures are critical in addressing potential health risks.
MSCS is committed to continued testing and implementing proactive solutions to ensure the safety of drinking water for all students. In the meantime, the district is providing bottled water and water filtration systems for students while efforts to remediate the lead levels in identified sources are ongoing.
Background Context
Lead exposure, particularly in children, is a pressing public health issue. Elevated lead levels in water sources can stem from various factors, including aging infrastructure or plumbing fixtures that contain lead. The EPA has established safety standards for the allowable amount of lead in drinking water to protect public health. Due to the severity of the situation, MSCS has prioritized immediate action to address the contamination and safeguard the health of students and staff.
FAQ Section
What are the lead levels reported in Memphis-Shelby County Schools?
Recent testing revealed that 27 individual water sources at 24 school campuses exceeded the EPA safety standard of 20 ppb for lead.
What actions is MSCS taking in response to the elevated lead levels?
MSCS has turned off the water sources that tested above the allowed threshold and will begin retesting at the affected sites.
What are the potential health risks of lead exposure for children?
Lead exposure can negatively affect brain development in children and is a known toxin that poses various health risks.
What interim measures are being provided for students?
While solutions to the lead contamination are implemented, bottled water and water filtration systems are being made available for students.
What should parents do if they are concerned about lead exposure?
Parents are advised to speak with their child’s pediatrician regarding potential blood tests for lead exposure.
Key Features of the Lead Contamination Report
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Number of Schools Affected | 24 |
| Number of Elevated Water Sources | 27 |
| Testing Threshold | 15 ppb |
| EPA Safety Standard | 20 ppb |
| Types of Fixtures Affected | Kitchen sinks, concession areas, ice machines, water fountains, hallway sink |
| Mitigation Actions | Water sources turned off, retesting initiated, bottled water and filtration systems provided |
| Health Advisory | Consult pediatricians for lead exposure testing |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Additional Resources
- Fox 13 Memphis
- Wikipedia: Lead poisoning
- WREG News
- Google Search: lead exposure children
- Local Memphis
- Google Scholar: lead in drinking water
- Action News 5
- Encyclopedia Britannica: lead poisoning
- Commercial Appeal
- Google News: Memphis schools lead water
Author: STAFF HERE MEMPHIS WRITER
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