Lead Contamination Haunts East Ramapo Schools

Washington Post

The East Ramapo Central School District is embroiled in a troubling lead contamination crisis, affecting the health and safety of its students. Over 2,000 parts per billion of lead were found in the drinking water at Carrie's former elementary school, far exceeding the federal safety threshold of 15 parts per billion. Despite the alarming findings back in 2016, action has been slow, with over 8 years passing without significant repairs to contaminated water systems. Students like Carrie have experienced the consequences of lead exposure, which can result in behavioral, learning, and health issues. The district, predominantly serving Black and Latino students, is also accused of environmental racism, impacting the community disproportionately. Parents are mobilizing, demanding changes and safe drinking water, amidst frustrations over unfulfilled promises from school officials. While the district recently announced plans to install lead-free water fountains, skepticism lingers about the timeline and effectiveness of these actions. Sylvia Foster's reporting highlights the community's struggle for safe drinking water, drawing parallels to systemic issues affecting socioeconomically disadvantaged groups across the United States.

Highlights

• Lead contamination found in East Ramapo Central School District's tap water.
• Carrie Brano recalls attending public schools where she unknowingly drank contaminated water.
• Average lead levels in school water surpassed federal safety limits, with one tap leading at over 2,000 parts per billion.
• The district predominantly serves Black and Latino students, raising issues of environmental racism.
• School officials are criticized for not remediating lead issues over an 8-year period.
• Parents frustrated over the lack of timely solutions are joining grassroots protests.
• The Biden Administration announced $26 million in funding for lead removal in schools.
• The EPA is expected to release new regulations for lead testing in schools.
• Carrie's experience exemplifies the long-term impacts of lead exposure on health and education.
• Advocates stress the necessity for robust, enforceable testing and remediation regulations.