In fact, lead is even contaminating drinking water in schools and pre-schools — flowing from thousands of fountains and faucets where our kids drink water every day.
Most schools have at least some lead in their pipes, plumbing, or fixtures.
All Americans deserve safe drinking water.
That’s why doctors, nurses, and parents across the country are calling on public officials to “Get the Lead Out.” Replacing pipes, plumbing, fountains and/or fixtures that contain lead is the most effective, permanent solution to prevent contamination of the water our children drink, at school or elsewhere.
While removing all of these lead-bearing parts will take time, installing filters certified to remove lead is an immediate step schools and daycares can take to begin protecting children right now.
In past years, the relatively few state and local governments addressing lead in drinking water mostly focused on testing.
In Washington state, the state legislature has ordered the department of health to develop guidance for schools on how to limit lead in water at 1 ppb, as per AAP’s recommendation.
Both Washington, DC, and San Diego have adopted a 5 ppb standard for schools’ water.
Two more states will consider protective policies this week.
It’s time to get the lead out of drinking water.