Hidden Dangers: Lead and PFAS Contamination in School Drinking Water

Clean drinking water is something every student deserves. Yet, thousands of schools in the U.S. are grappling with a hidden crisis: lead and PFAS contamination. These pollutants can seep into the water our children drink every day, threatening their health, learning, and futures.

While public systems are working to improve safety measures, there are a variety of at-home solutions that give you total control over the quality of your children’s water—whether they’re at home or taking water on the go.

Let’s break down what exactly can be found in public water systems and how it gets there.

What Are Lead and PFAS?

Lead

Lead is a toxic metal once widely used in pipes, paint, and solder. While banned in new plumbing since 1986, countless older school buildings still have lead pipes or fixtures. Lead can easily leach into water, especially when pipes corrode or when water isn’t treated properly.

PFAS (“Forever Chemicals”)

PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are a family of human-made chemicals used in non-stick cookware, waterproof clothing, and other industrial processes. They’re called “forever chemicals” because they break down extremely slowly, accumulating in water supplies over time.

How Do They Get Into School Water?

Lead contamination happens when:

• Schools have old pipes, solder, or faucets that contain lead.
• Corrosive water leaches lead from plumbing into drinking water.
• Pipes sit unused overnight or during holidays, giving water time to absorb lead.

PFAS pollution reaches schools through:

• Local water sources contaminated by nearby industrial/transportation sites.
• Runoff from landfills or wastewater treatment plants.
• Older water systems that weren’t designed to filter out these chemicals.

Real-Life Examples in Schools

Colorado: In 2024, a major investigation found that more than 2,200 drinking water fixtures in the state’s 10 largest school districts tested above acceptable lead levels. One faucet in Denver Public Schools tested nearly 900× the new recommended limit.

Baltimore area: Recent tests revealed that 30% of school taps in Baltimore County and surrounding districts had illegal lead levels—some as high as 51 parts per billion (ppb), far above the EPA’s recommended maximum of 5 ppb.

Maryland: Multiple school districts have shut down water fountains after tests showed PFAS levels well above the new EPA limit of 4 parts per trillion (ppt). Many schools now rely on bottled or filtered water.

North Carolina: In early 2025, Farmer Elementary School in Randolph County detected PFAS in its well water. The school immediately switched to bottled water while the state investigated the source.

How Schools Test and Report Contamination

Parents often wonder: How do schools know if their water is safe? 

Testing usually starts with collecting water samples from drinking fountains, classroom sinks, and kitchen taps. Many schools use what’s called a “first-draw” sample—water that’s been sitting in the pipes overnight—because it shows the highest possible level of lead. These samples are then sent to certified laboratories to check for contaminants. 

How often schools test depends on local and state rules. 

• Experts recommend testing at least every 1–3 years for lead, especially in older buildings.
• Some states, like New York, mandate testing every 5 years for all public schools.
• PFAS testing is newer and depends on local risk. Schools near industrial areas, airports, or military bases should test more frequently.

Parents should know they have a right to see the results. In many states, schools must share test results with parents and staff, post them on the district website, and keep them available for public inspection. If you can’t easily find your child’s school water report, you should feel empowered to ask your principal or school board for a copy.

For added peace of mind, parents can:

• Request a copy of the most recent water quality report.
• Ask if the school uses filters or has a plan to replace old pipes.
• Encourage regular re-testing, especially after plumbing upgrades or construction.

How Do Lead and PFAS Affect Children Long-Term?

Lead

Lead is especially dangerous for children because their bodies absorb it more easily. Even low levels can:

• Lower IQ and cognitive abilities.
• Cause attention, learning, and behavior problems.
• Damage the nervous system, kidneys, and red blood cell production.

There is no safe level of lead in drinking water for kids.

PFAS

PFAS exposure can:

• Weaken the immune system, making vaccines less effective.
• Disrupt hormones, affecting growth and development.
• Increase the risk of certain cancers (e.g., kidney, testicular).
• Cause liver damage and higher cholesterol levels.

Children are more vulnerable because their organs and immune systems are still developing.

What Can Be Done?

Communities and schools are taking steps like:

• Replacing old pipes and lead-containing fixtures.
• Installing point-of-use filters certified to remove lead and PFAS.
• Regularly testing all drinking water sources.
• Providing bottled water when contamination is found.
• Pushing for stronger federal and state standards—and funding—to fix aging infrastructure.

A Better Alternative: Water Filtration Systems

For a safer, more sustainable solution, consider installing a Water Filtration System. iFilters specializes in advanced filtration technologies designed to remove lead, PFAS, and other harmful contaminants from drinking water—right at the source.

Why Choose iFilters?

• Certified effectiveness: Meet rigorous standards for removing lead and PFAS.
• Easy installation: Suitable for homes (well or city water) and schools, providing clean water at faucets, sinks, or drinking fountains.
• Cost-efficient: Reduces reliance on bottled water and lowers long-term expenses.
• Eco-friendly: Minimizes plastic waste by providing safe tap water.

Final Thoughts

Every child deserves clean, safe water at school. Lead and PFAS contamination highlight the urgent need for regular testing, updated plumbing, and greater public awareness. 

Parents, educators, and policymakers must work together to ensure that the water our kids drink every day helps them thrive—instead of harming them for life. The best defense you can take as a parent is sending your kids to school with filtered water from home.