Lead detected in kitchen and football concession faucets at Cabarrus County high school
Two faucets at a Cabarrus County high school are being repaired after they tested positive for the presence of lead, a district message to families said on Thursday.
One of the faucets was in the visitor’s concession stand at Northwest Cabarrus High School’s football field and the other faucet was in a hand wash sink in a kitchen, the message said.
The district said the faucets will not be used again until they are corrected and tested, confirming levels are safe.
State law requires schools and childcare facilities to conduct lead tests and report results. In June, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency granted the North Carolina Department Department of Health and Human Services over $1 million for lead testing in schools and daycares.
Excess amounts of lead in water can lead to lead poisoning, which can cause illness or death. It can also cause mental and physical developmental problems in children, the Mayo Clinic’s website says.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program says even low levels of exposure to lead can be harmful.
The district’s message contained a link allowing families to view the lead tests results.
“The remaining faucets, water fountains, and bottle fillers tested throughout the school are below the state action level and do not require attention,” the district said.
This story was originally published March 28, 2025 at 2:07 PM.
