Ensuring safe drinking water in schools by requiring certified filters and lead testing.

The bill mandates that schools and child care centers in Massachusetts install certified point-of-use filters at drinking water outlets, excluding water fountains. It requires annual lead testing and immediate shut-off of outlets with elevated lead levels. Schools must provide filtered, bottle-filling stations and post information about lead levels and remediation efforts. The Department of Environmental Protection will issue technical guidance and notify the public of elevated lead levels. The bill also allows for hardship waivers under certain conditions.

Ensuring safe drinking water in schools by requiring certified filters and lead testing.

The bill mandates that schools and child care centers in Massachusetts install certified point-of-use filters at drinking water outlets, excluding water fountains. It requires annual lead testing and immediate shut-off of outlets with elevated lead levels. Schools must provide filtered, bottle-filling stations and post information about lead levels and remediation efforts. The Department of Environmental Protection will issue technical guidance and notify the public of elevated lead levels. The bill also allows for hardship waivers under certain conditions.