The Detroit school district is shutting off drinking water to all of its schools after test results found elevated levels of lead or copper in 16 out of 24 schools that were recently tested.

"Although we have no evidence that there are elevated levels of copper or lead in our other schools where we are awaiting test results, out of an abundance of caution and concern for the safety of our students and employees, I am turning off all drinking water in our schools until a deeper and broader analysis can be conducted to determine the long-term solutions for all schools," Nikolai Vitti, superintendent of the Detroit Public Schools Community District, said in a statement Wednesday.

Vitti said he had notified Mayor Mike Duggan of his decision to shut off the drinking water.

"The mayor’s office plans to partner with us to determine challenges with water quality in our schools and solutions to them."

John Roach, a spokesman for Duggan, said the mayor is "fully supportive" of the approach Vitti has taken.

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