Unsafe levels of lead discovered in Northwood School District drinking water

MINONG, Wis. — Unsafe levels of lead have been discovered in the Northwoods School District’s drinking water.

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources(DNR) conducted water testing of the District, which revealed samples that exceeded the safe limit.

Of the five tap locations that were tested, two showed elevated lead levels (15.2 ppb and 31.5 ppb), which exceeded the EPA’s Lead Action Level of 15 ppb.

According to district officials, the two faucets are located in the middle/high school side of the building and are not intended for filling water bottles.

The district has since shut off the affected faucets and issued a public notice at the request of the DNR.

Until the issue is resolved, the district will continue further water quality monitoring and submit a corrosion control recommendation worksheet.

Although only two locations exceeded the limits, DNR officials emphasized that no level of lead is considered safe.