Four Oakland high school students have spearheaded Project Nemo, demanding immediate action on lead-contaminated drinking water in schools, which poses severe health risks, particularly to students in marginalized communities. Despite the discovery of lead pollution in 2017 and reconfirmation in 2024, the Oakland Unified School District has faced criticism for slow responses. The students are advocating for a reduction of the current lead threshold and effective infrastructure improvements. They highlight the need for better communication, accountability, and functional filtered water stations, citing expert support for stricter standards to safeguard children's health against lead exposure.
Elin Betanzo, a water quality expert, emphasizes that achieving safe drinking water in schools requires immediate action, stating, "No level of lead is safe, particularly for children, and existing standards, like OUSD’s 5 ppb, do not protect public health."
The students behind Project Nemo argue, "We need lead-free drinking water for all students, and OUSD must be held accountable for decades of inaction and outdated policies that endanger our health."
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