NJ Lawmakers Fighting to Rid School water of lead

New Jersey lawmakers are ramping up efforts to get lead out of drinking water in schools throughout the state. The push comes after recent water testing statewide revealed that some school sinks and fountains were dispensing water with higher lead concentrations than allowed by EPA standards. Officials warn exposure to the metal can damage the brain and kidneys, and can curb child development. New Jersey Senator Cory Booker and Congressman Josh Gottheimer have proposed legislation that would require schools to replace old pipes and monitor lead levels consistently.

Doug O’Malley, the director of Environment New Jersey, said the problem goes beyond just old buildings. He said “lead free” pipes that were used in schools and homes across the state were not actually lead free until 2013.

"I think New Jerseyans are waking up to the fact that this is not something that is someone else's problem,” O’Malley said. “This isn't just a problem for Flint, and it's not just a problem in one community in the state.”

Congressman Gottheimer said when it comes to New Jersey's kids, it should not be a partisan issue.

"There's no reason we shouldn't deal with this problem,” Gottheimer said. “It's one of those things you can't hide from, you've got to deal with it because the problem's not going away.”

Some New Jersey schools say they will add filters to water fountains when school is out for summer.
 

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