Some Minnesota Schools Neglect Guidelines for Water Testing

MINNEAPOLIS -- Records show testing for lead in drinking water at some Minnesota schools hasn't been done since the late 1990s despite a state health recommendation that it be done every five years.

Among water testing records of more than 600 Minnesota schools, at least one out of every four of those schools are not testing based on the Minnesota Department of Health's recommendation.

Records show Minneapolis Public Schools hasn't tested at least 31 of its schools since 1998.

Assistant Commissioner of Health Paul Allwood says he is surprised to hear that there are systems that haven't been tested for long time periods. He noted that the department's guidelines are voluntary.

Allwood says the department is discussing whether there should be an additional authority over school water testing.