From the NY State Department of Education
Revisions to Public Health Law (Section 1110): Lead in Drinking Water
- The revised law (Subpart 67-4) took effect on December 22, 2022, and includes the following key changes:
- The revised action level of lead in drinking water is 5 parts per billion (ppb), reduced from 15 ppb.
- School buildings deemed “lead-free” are no longer exempt from testing requirements per Subpart 67-4.
- Should it be necessary to provide water to school occupants following an outlet being taken out of service due to an action level exceedance, it must be provided free of charge.
- Copies of lead results including lab reports and any lead remediation plans must be made available to the public and posted on the school’s website.
- Compliance testing will occur on a triennial (every 3 years) schedule.
- The Next Compliance Testing Period is 2023-2025.
- Sampling at outlets where results from previous compliance testing (prior to December 22, 2022) have exceeded 5 ppb should be a priority.
- The Department is in the process of updating its Lead Testing in School Drinking Water Program Guidance Manual, including revisions to guidance on identifying sampling locations. This section will be updated to indicate that sampling from hand-washing outlets in a lavatory will not be required.
- For more information about the Lead Testing in School Drinking Water Program go to: Lead Testing of School Drinking Water.
- If you have questions, please send them to: lead.in.school.drinking.water@health.ny.gov.