New Jersey State Board of Education Adopts New Rules To Address Concerns Regarding Lead In Drinking Water

By Lisa M. Bromberg and Thomas Spiesman

Concern with lead in drinking water has become a nationwide issue. The New Jersey State Board of Education has now joined the inquiry and taken action on this topic. On July 13, 2016, it promulgated amendments to the regulations governing educational facilities (N.J.A.C. 6A:26 et seq.) requiring immediate testing for lead in the drinking water of all New Jersey public school districts, and other public and private schools including charter schools, renaissance schools, and state-funded early childcare facilities. They cited the health, safety and welfare of children in the state and the potentially serious health problems for children, teachers and school personnel, caused by exposure to lead-contaminated drinking water, as the basis for the amendments and new rules. A drinking water testing program is to be immediately instituted at all school facilities where water is expected to be used for consumption or food preparation. 

To read the full article, please click here.