NASBE Report Updates Status of Drinking Water Lead Testing in Schools

The National Association of State Boards of Education (NASBE) has released a new report, “How States Are Handling Lead in School Drinking Water.” The report reviews issues of lead in school drinking water, including the importance of flushing plumbing after building closures.

It highlights two leading research reports, the US Government Accountability Office (GAO)’s 2018 report, and a 2019 Harvard and University of California report that investigated lead testing efforts in schools. NASBE conducted their own landscape analysis as of 2021 and provides state-by-state findings on programs to address lead in school drinking water, including current mitigation action levels.

The report concludes with recommendations for actions and advocacy that can be undertaken by state boards of education. The 15-page report is here.

For related articles previously posted on this site, please see:

• Chicago Public Schools Automated Flushing Device

• School Drinking Water Safety Webinar Series

• EPA’s New Interactive Data Tracking Tool for lead testing results in schools and childcares

• Reopening Building Plumbing Safety After Pandemic Closures

• New Drinking Water Fact Sheets includes infographic on school drinking water safety

• New Fact Sheet Puts a Spotlight on Childcare Tap Water Safety

• Current WIIN Act funds allotment information may be found here.

• Earlier NDWA news post on WIIN Act funds can be read here.