There are high levels of lead in the water at four schools in this city and so far all that has been done is finger pointing, tongue wagging and more convoluted politics. What needs to be done to protect the students in this city is less politics and more action. Routine water testing wasn’t done — as it is at Ontario schools — and now we know it should be. The infrastructure and pipes in this city are old. Legislation was in place more than 25 years ago to abolish lead used in pipes. All that time has passed, and while some homeowners have afforded to replace their own pipes, the school board has neglected to do so.
How long have the children at the affected schools been exposed to lead in the water? The letter parents received stated that flushing the pipes and filtered water fountains will remedy the high lead levels but that is only a band-aid treatment. This is Rupert, it isn’t Flint, Michigan — get the lead out.