Drinking water in Tri-City public schools is safe after being tested by an independent lab, according to School District 43 community relations officer Peter Chevrier.
The news comes as several B.C. schools, including a number in Surrey, Delta and Victoria, were found to have elevated lead levels in drinking water.
Lead is associated with lifelong health problems in children, according to the World Health Organization, because it attacks the brain and central nervous system.
SD43 had already conducted tests before the issue was raised by Vancouver media, and while not releasing lab results, Chevrier said the water is safe to drink in Tri-City schools.
In an email, Chevrier said: "In March of 2016, SD43 facilities personnel collected water samples from all schools in use and the samples were sent to an independent lab for testing. The sample collection and testing was done over a two-month period. All schools passed. SD43 will continue annual water testing of schools, which follows a recent government directive for all school districts to do this testing."
In May, the province announced it will annually remind districts to test water, with the results being compiled and districts urged to fix problems when they arise.
