CHICAGO (AP) - Elevated lead levels have been found in water in five more Chicago public schools, bringing to 19 the number of buildings where tests have uncovered levels that exceed a federal standard of 15 parts per billion.
Chicago Public Schools officials say the district has tested water at 224 of 324 school buildings that were constructed prior to 1986. So far, the district said it has received test results for 74 schools.
In the latest results, water from one sink at the Blair Early Childhood Center, a specialty school for disabled children between the ages of 3 and 6, showed lead levels as high as 1,100 parts per billion, while the water fountain showed levels as high as 357 parts per billion.
District officials say water at all public schools will be tested.
And now, a group of Chicago aldermen want hearings on the amount of lead being found in water at some city schools.
Alderman Scott Waguespack says the aldermen are looking for a comprehensive plan to address the issue of lead in water in the city. He and other members of the Chicago City Council's Progressive Reform Caucus are demanding the hearings.