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School District Of Philadelphia Retesting Drinking Water For Lead In 40 School Sample

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) – The School District of Philadelphia has launched a water retesting quality project designed to test for lead concentration in drinking water outlets in a 40 school sample throughout the city.

All of the drinking water outlets will be tested to ensure they comply with current U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and Philadelphia Department of Public Health guidelines.

"The retesting project will allow us to add another layer of oversight and assurance to our water quality program," says Fran Burns, Chief Operating Officer.

"It is important that we reassure our students and families that the quality of our drinking water is safe and in compliance with federal and local regulations."

The full retesting project is expected to take approximately four months. Four schools will be tested per week for 10 weeks.

Review of laboratory analysis reports, coordinating follow-up testing, repairs, and remediation may take an additional six weeks, officials say.

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