Despite recent tests showing elevated lead levels at the water fountains of several schools, the school head said the issues were not systemic.
A water fountain is pictured in this February file photo. NEW BRUNSWICK -- Despite the revelation of elevated lead levels in several city schools, the school superintendent issued a resolute statement on Wednesday saying the school district was "ahead of the curve" concerning water testing.
Superintendent Aubrey Johnson said, "Many organizations have not taken the steps New Brunswick has."
And, he added that "any rumors claiming that our district's water is currently unsafe, or that we withheld information, or failed to take swift action are unequivocally false."
Recently testing revealed that 14 water fountains at six schools showed elevated levels of lead -- nine of which ranged from two to four times the federal limit.
One fountain at an elementary school tested more than 12 times the federal limit at 187 parts per billion, according to the testing report posted on the school district's website.
Nevertheless, Johnson maintained that there were "no systemic problems with the water," and that children were "far more likely to come in contact with lead through the paint in their homes, dust, toys, and even food than they are in their schools."
He further described the problem as "isolated to a handful of faucets and fountains, all of which are now out of service in preparation for repairs."
He said every parent "should be discussing the risks of lead poisoning with their health care provider."
But the level of danger faced by children who attend these schools remains unclear.
Kurk Praschak, a spokesman for the school district, said in a statement that "any detailed answer needs to come from a medical professional."
He noted, however, that potential exposure to lead can result from "many different sources" and that "a medical test can only indicate if lead is present in a person's system," adding, "but cannot determine its origin."
While he said he understood the attention brought to the issue, he added: "We shouldn't be condemning those with a proven record of testing and remediation -- we should be concerned about those that fail to even look."
Spencer Kent may be reached at skent@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @SpencerMKent. Find the Find NJ.com on Facebook.