Lead contamination in water at some DeKalb Co. Schools

The DeKalb County School District said of the 204 water sources tested in eight schools, 14 sources like water fountains and faucets at five schools came back positive for lead.

Those schools include, Allgood, Stone Mountain and Redan Elementary Schools along with International Community School and The Museum School of Avondale Estates.

DeKalb County Schools Superintendent, Dr. Stephen Green said the district is being proactive about testing, adding that when results are above the approved levels, action is taken immediately.

"When we do find a source like one or two or three sources in a school we immediately shut that source down and disable it all together," said Dr. Green.

Some parents are concerned, telling FOX 5's Nathalie Pozo that they never received any sort of notification about lead contamination at their children's school.

"I did not receive an email," said Erika Dobbins whose daughter is in 1st grade at Allgood Elementary School. "No letter, no phone call, nothing."

Dr. Green said the district is sending and has sent letters home with students. School officials said of the 137 schools in DeKalb County, 106 were built before 1986, when materials containing lead were used.

Dr. Green said they've started with the oldest elementary schools first and expect to complete all 150 schools and facilities by summer of 2017, adding that he feels encouraged that at this stage they have not had to shut down a school.

"We want safety being a key component of our priority," said Dr. Green. "Safety of students, safety of staff, makes for a healthier learning environment."

The DeKalb County School district has setup a hotline and website with information and test results.