Chicago testing water at small number of schools for lead

CHICAGO (AP) - Chicago has begun testing water at more than two dozen public schools for lead.

The city says it has no indication there is lead present in the water at those 28 schools. But increased attention after the water contamination in Flint, Michigan prompted Chicago to test at schools and take other steps.

The sampling began this week as a pilot program. Results will be posted online. The schools were chosen based on the age of the buildings, with priority given to schools with pre-K programs. A comprehensive testing approach will be developed later.

The city is also offering free residential water testing upon request and is pledging to work to strengthen water infrastructure and update testing protocols.

Many service lines carrying water to older Chicago homes are made of lead.