Lead in water affects Meals on Wheels program

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — Water fountains at 3 Portland park centers are out of service due to concerns about elevated lead levels, and it’s having an effect on a local nonprofit that delivers food to those in need.

The Multnomah Arts Center, the Portland Children’s Museum and the Fulton Community Center were deemed “priority sites” for lead testing after elevated levels of the metal were detected in drinking water at some local public schools.

Out of 225 people screened for lead poisoning at Rose City Park School on Monday, 2 children were found to have elevated blood lead levels. Health officials say they will need a venous blood draw to confirm the levels.

Issues with elevated lead levels in water systems at the MAC go back to 2011. Some “corrective actions” were taken by 2013, but officials with Portland Parks & Recreation say they didn’t know about the problem until last Friday.

“Do not drink” signs were displayed on the center’s water fountains over the weekend. It’s an issue that’s impacting visitors and the Meals on Wheels Program.

“We put out food 5 days a week and have people who are depending on us for those meals,” Julie Piper-Finley with Meals on Wheels told KOIN 6 News.

Volunteers with the nonprofit cook and serve lunch at the MAC every weekday.

After learning about possible elevated levels of lead at the site, Meals on Wheels began providing bottled water to prepare meals with and serve to staff and seniors.

“Our first priority is the safety and well-being of our clients, volunteers and staff,” Meals on Wheels People Executive Director Suzanne Washington said. “We will continue to work with Portland Parks and Recreation, as well as the other building partners where our centers are located, to ensure that the water is safe and drinkable.”

Piper-Finley says she and many others are struggling with the issue. She wants to know why it’s taken so long for the city to bring the issue forward.

“Why is it taking so long to fix?” Piper-Finley asked.

KOIN 6 News reached out to PP&R for an interview but has not received a response.