New York should be the first state in the nation to have all its schools test their drinking water for lead content by the end of the year.
Legislation signed by Governor Cuomo mandates all school districts to test faucets and drinking fountains to see how much lead is in the water. The State Health Department has issued orders to all districts that haven’t done so yet to begin testing by October 31st.
While lead-based paint in older homes is a far greater risk to children, lead can accumulate in older plumbing systems. The first time a faucet is used after standing overnight or over a weekend, it can put out lead in excess of federal health standards.