Lead in Drinking Water Testing No Longer Optional for New Jersey Schools

Matt Genna

• sampling shall be conducted in accordance with a Lead Sampling Plan and with a Quality Assurance Project Plan (QAPP);
• analysis shall be conducted by a certified laboratory; and
• within 24 hours after reviewing and verifying the final results the board of education shall make the test results of all water samples publicly available at the facility and on their website.

If any results exceed the permissible lead action level then written notification to the parents/guardians of all students attending the facility as well as the Department of Education must be made. Exemption from Initial Testing Some school districts may apply for an exemption from the initial testing if they can demonstrate that it complied with or exceeded the testing requirements within five years prior to the effective date of the regulation. If a district receives an exemption, they are still required to make the results from prior testing available for public inspection at the school facility and on the district board of education’s website. Additionally, they will need to conduct testing within six years of the prior testing. Requirements for Additional Testing For all facilities, additional testing will be necessary within six years following the initial testing and every six years thereafter. All district boards of education will have to test all drinking water outlets on this schedule. In addition, all district boards of education will sample for lead after the replacement of any drinking water outlet or any other alteration to plumbing or service lines that may impact lead levels at the outlet.  After the required testing has occurred, each district will submit an annual statement of assurance to the Department stating that lead testing was performed in accordance with the new standards. The district must also provide notifications consistent with this subchapter and that alternate drinking water continues to be available to all students and staff. Reimbursement of Costs The necessary testing for lead in water may not mean an additional cost for the district. Under this regulations, all boards of education are eligible to be reimbursed for the water supply testing and analysis conducted. To receive reimbursement, the board of education shall complete and submit to the Department of Education a reimbursement application (the Department will make the reimbursement application available on its website). Nonpublic schools choosing to conduct testing may submit a reimbursement application to the Department-the approval of which is subject to available funds.