A new interactive map will give people the chance to look up results for drinking water lead tests in their local schools.

The tool, created by the Oregon Health Authority, will expire at the end of the 2016-17 school year. In 2017 districts will be required to submit Healthy and Safe School Facilities Plans to the Oregon Department of Education.

National attention was drawn to testing school drinking water for lead following a crisis in Flint, Michigan. Parents in Portland accused the school district of withholding test results that showed elevated levels of lead in their water supplies.

Many school districts, including those in Central Oregon, chose to complete tests. Schools weren’t required by law to submit water test results, but state agencies strongly recommended schools test their facilities, according to a release from ODE. The Oregon Health Authority made its recommendation in June.

Bend-La Pine, Jefferson County, Crook County, Redmond, Culver and Sisters school districts all have tested for lead in drinking water, as previously reported by The Bulletin. Tests in Jefferson County, Sisters, Culver and Redmond school districts showed no elevated levels of lead in the water. Bend-La Pine Schools had some fixtures with elevated levels, and Crook County had one fixture showing an elevated level of lead.

Last month Bend-La Pine replaced all under-sink shut-off valves, drinking fountains and faucets at Amity Creek Magnet School after elevated levels of lead were found there. Water test results from the new fixtures all fell within the Environmental Protection Agency’s guidelines, according to the school district’s website.

Results from other Bend-La Pine schools fell within EPA guidelines.

OHA’s interactive map was created after Gov. Kate Brown asked last spring for the OHA and state Department of Education to look at existing state programs and create a plan to address lead in school water, among other environmental concerns, according to a release from ODE.

ODE has new rules requiring schools to complete Healthy and Safe Schools plans by 2017. Included in their plans, school districts must outline how they will test drinking water for lead.

To view the map, visit: j.mp/bbwatermap.

— Reporter: 541-383-0325, kfisicaro@bendbulletin.com