UTICA, NY — Drinking water fountains and faucets in nine of this city’s elementary schools have been shut down due to high levels of lead in drinking water, The Observer-Dispatch of Utica reported October 13.

The Utica City School District undertook the voluntary testing of the lead levels in the drinking water at its elementary schools in August.

Testing revealed that out of 230 source outlets tested, 65 tested positive for lead, Superintendent James Willis said in a statement.

The 50 drinking fountains and 15 water faucets have been tagged and are shut off until replacements are installed. New outlets are expected to be in place by December 1, the report said.

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