National

High Lead Levels In Water At 4 Prince Rupert Schools Prompt Advisory To Parents

Darpan News Desk The Canadian Press, 17 Feb, 2016 11:51 AM

PRINCE RUPERT, B.C. — Elevated levels of lead have been found in tap water at four schools in Prince Rupert, B.C.

School district officials in the northwest coast city have alerted parents after tests of drinking water showed lead concentrations above Health Canada guidelines.

Exact levels haven't been released, but the district has traced the source to lead pipes at Conrad Elementary, Pineridge Elementary, Ecole Roosevelt Park Community School and Prince Rupert Middle School.

The district is installing water fountains with special filters and says the pipes will be flushed daily before school because lead levels climb when water stands in the pipes overnight.

Lead can affect growth and development in children, but the district notes students don't regularly drink a lot of water at school so significant harm is unlikely.

Several schools in Kitimat reported a similar problem in 2012, and New Democrat Jennifer Rice says lead levels should be checked at all older schools in the northwest, central coast and Haida Gwaii.

Prev Next

MORE National ARTICLES

Uber Drive: Edmonton May Be Template For Legalizing Ride Sharing In Other Cities

Cab drivers in Edmonton protested for months at city hall, some of them pulling off their shirts, as councillors debated whether to pass a new bylaw legalizing ride-sharing companies such as Uber.

Uber Drive: Edmonton May Be Template For Legalizing Ride Sharing In Other Cities

Canada's Bombing Mission Over By Feb. 22; Training Mission To Triple

In offering his view of Canada's expanded training mission, Gen. Jonathan Vance went some to lengths to avoid contradicting his boss, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, who has insisted trainers would not be involved in combat.

Canada's Bombing Mission Over By Feb. 22; Training Mission To Triple

Ontario On Track To Receive 10,000 Syrian Refugees By End Of The Month: Kathleen Wynne

The federal government is aiming to settle 25,000 refugees by the end of February, with about two-thirds expected to be government-assisted.

Ontario On Track To Receive 10,000 Syrian Refugees By End Of The Month: Kathleen Wynne

Third Woman Testifies Jian Ghomeshi Bit Her Shoulder, Put His Hands Around Her Neck

The woman, who cannot be identified, said she had consented to the "making out," but she had not agreed to what followed.

Third Woman Testifies Jian Ghomeshi Bit Her Shoulder, Put His Hands Around Her Neck

Calgary Luge Operator Likely Not Liable For Teenagers' Deaths: Lawyer

Peter Collins said the fact that twins Jordan and Evan Caldwell, 17, were former employees at Canada Olympic Park makes it especially improbable that site operator WinSport would be held liable for the incident.

Calgary Luge Operator Likely Not Liable For Teenagers' Deaths: Lawyer

Winter Storm Forecast Causing Closures, Travel Changes In Atlantic Canada

The national weather forecaster says snow will begin in Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island and southern New Brunswick on Monday afternoon, while Newfoundland will start seeing snow through the evening.