A new bill would create a $30 million Safe School Drinking Water Fund and require schools to replace all outdated water fountains with filtered ones by 2026.
New research indicates that childhood lead exposure impacts adult mental health. The toxic heavy metal is found across western Pennsylvania drinking water systems, leaving thousands of kids at risk.
A charter school did not notify parents when results showed water fountains and sinks failed lead tests, including off-the-charts levels of the neurotoxin.
The bill would require both public and private schools test for lead every two years, and install filters or other fixes for any level greater than 5 parts per billion.
PWSA plans to add a chemical to the water that is expected to bring lead levels down in homes known to have lead pipes or solder, though there is no known safe level of lead in water.
