Answers Demanded For Elevated Lead Levels

According to the EPA, children exposed to lead are susceptible to a range of learning and health problems, including reduced IQ, hyperactivity, stunted growth and hearing loss.

Vice President Carolyn N. Graham, who was on the board when the water tests were conducted last year, said she had not been informed about the water tests. Parents and council member Graham also said they were not told about the water problems.

"The levels are alarming, as they may very well lead to elevated levels of lead in the schoolchildren's blood," said the interim director of the Department of the Environment, Corey R. Buffo, at a D.C. Council hearing Wednesday.

Terri Garvin, whose two daughters attend Hearst in Cleveland Park, said the school PTA bought bottled water for students in 2004 when tests showed high lead levels in the water fountains. Garvin, the former president of the organization, said the school discontinued the service when central office officials told them the water was clean.

"To find out the water is not fine is startling," Garvin said.

"It's an old building so you know there will be a problem," she added. "The water isn't the problem. The problem is the lack of awareness that you even have a problem."

Staff writer Theola Labbé contributed to this report.