Detroit school district considering $2M plan to temporarily fix water in schools

DETROIT (WJBK) - The Detroit Public Schools Community District is considering a $2 million solution to its water quality issues at Detroit schools.

The district wants to set up water filtration stations throughout its schools after high levels of copper and lead were found in the drinking water in some Detroit schools.

They've been supplying bottled water and water coolers for students and staff since the test results came back. It's a quick fix but more needs to be done.

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"I think everybody wants their kids have to be safe and not worry about the drinking water. I pack drinking water for my kids everyday. I don't want her drinking tap water anywhere in the city," said Katharine Hayes, a parent of student in the district.

Tuesday night, superintendent Dr. Nikolai Vitti went over some options at a Board of Education meeting. One of those options was installing water filtration systems in each of the district's buildings. One for every 100 students plus some in the kitchen, faculty lounges, and gyms.

The cost of the plan is roughly $2 million.

"Anything they can do to help the kids with the water I'm all for it. Anything they can do with the water situation I'm all for it," parent Melvin Duncan said.

The system is already in use in Flint, Royal Oak, and Birmingham schools. 

The alternative plan is to replace the sinks and water fountains. According to the district, it costs more and would not address the pipe issues. The lead and copper build up are being blamed on older plumbing and fewer kids using the water due to lower enrollment.

"Whatever proactive choices they can come up with, I support. Whether it's bottled water, whether it's coolers, parents banding together or outside sources, whatever we can do to get these kids good clean water in class - it's a great choice," parent Delores Wyatt said.

An answer is not clear right now but the conversation is flowing to fix the most basic necessity in schools.

Dr. Vitti is expected to give his recommendation at next month's meeting.