WATERVILLE (AP) — Maine’s public water utilities are partnering with the state to fund lead testing at schools.
Three associations that make up Maine’s drinking water community and the state’s Drinking Water Program are providing financial and technical support for free, voluntary lead testing.
Jeff LaCasse, chairman of the Maine Public Drinking Water Commission, tells the Morning Sentinel that the program addresses schools that could fall through the cracks because there’s no requirement to test water at schools using public water supplies.
The program came about after the water crisis in Flint, Michigan, brought national attention to the danger of lead contamination, especially in schools. Children are most at risk to the effects of elevated lead levels, which can cause developmental delays.
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