Six water fountains tested above the federal standard, an official said.
LEONIA - High levels of lead have been found in drinking water at three schools in the Leonia School District, Superintendent Joanne T. Megargee said in a statement this week.
An environmental testing agency reported that "six of the 98 water fountain receptacles tested at all three schools, the Annex and the Board of Education have been found to be above the standard in lead testing," the superintendent stated in a letter to parents, staff and the community. "All other locations and samples had acceptable results."
The district immediately shut off the affected receptacles, the superintendent said.
Remediation began this week to replace all filters and/or affected water fountains, Megargee said.
Retesting will occur before the water fountains are reopened.
Lead found in Newark schools' water
"We are currently awaiting a final report from the testing agency," Megargee said.
The district hired an environmental testing agency to take water samples after reading about other schools districts, locally and in other states, where high levels of lead were found, the superintendent said.
Earlier this month, the Paterson School District revealed that water sources in 14 out of 45 city schools were above the federal limit for lead.
In March, Newark schools notified the DEP that 30 buildings recorded elevated levels during annual testing that was recently conducted in the district.
Anthony G. Attrino may be reached at tattrino@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @TonyAttrino. Find NJ.com on Facebook.