Lead detected in water at three Penticton schools

PENTICTON–School District 67 (Okanagan Skaha) has found that three schools in Penticton have elevated levels of lead in their water supply.

The affected schools are Uplands Elementary, West Bench Elementary, and McNicoll Park Middle School.

The school district started water testing after a similar problem was found in Prince Rupert.

WATCH:  High lead levels found in water at 4 schools

Results found levels of lead that are higher than Health Canada recommended levels.

It’s suspected lead in the pipes and plumbing are the source of the elevated lead levels in the water.

The school district is asking students and staff to fill water bottles from home or bring bottled water to drink.

The district is looking for soutions to the problem, which could include flushing the system by opening taps each morning, or even adding filtration systems to water fountains.