Lead in Chicago Public Schools
For Chicago Public Schools (CPS), the safety of drinking water is an important environmental and public health issue. Chicago's drinking water comes from Lake Michigan and is treated before entering the city's water system. However, lead can enter water after treatment when it comes into contact with older pipes, faucets, and other plumbing fixtures.
CPS began districtwide testing for lead in school drinking water in 20161. The district worked with the Chicago Department of Water Management and the Illinois Department of Public Health to establish testing procedures. CPS prioritized schools based on factors including the age of the building, the ages of students, the presence of pre-K programs and kitchens, and the condition of plumbing2.
The testing process found that lead was generally associated with individual fixtures and plumbing rather than Chicago's treated water supply itself. CPS explains that lead can come from interior plumbing materials and that conditions such as how long water remains in pipes can affect lead concentrations. Under Illinois guidance, drinking-water fixtures with lead concentrations at or above 5 parts per billion (ppb) are taken out of service until the problem is addressed and the fixture passes subsequent testing. CPS states that its ongoing program tests approximately 25% of schools each year, with this continuing program scheduled through fall 2026.
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