Water Lead Testing - District

2024 -2025 Requirements for testing for Lead in School Drink Water

In New Jersey, public school districts are mandated to test drinking water outlets for lead and publicly disclose the results in accordance with N.J.A.C. 6A:26-12.4.

Lead Testing Requirements:

• Testing Cycle: All covered entities must test for lead in drinking water from all outlets used for consumption or food preparation every three years. The next designated statewide testing year is the 2024-2025 school year, with testing to be completed between July 1, 2024, and June 30, 2025.

• Annual Statement of Assurance (SOA): By June 30 of each year, all entities—including public school districts, charter schools, renaissance schools, jointure commissions, educational services commissions, approved private schools for students with disabilities (APSSDs), state-funded early childcare facilities, and receiving schools—must submit an online SOA to the New Jersey Department of Education (NJDOE). This statement confirms that lead testing was completed as required, notifications were provided to all parties (as applicable), and alternate drinking water continues to be made available where water quality exceeds permissible lead levels.

Public Posting Requirements:

• Test Results: The results from the most recent required testing of lead in drinking water must be posted on the entity’s website.

• Exceedance Notifications: If any test results exceed the action level (AL) of 15 µg/L (parts per billion), the entity must:

  • Provide written notification to the parents/guardians of all students and facility staff.

  • Post the notification on the entity’s website.

  • Include in the notification a description of the steps taken to immediately end the use of each drinking water outlet where water quality exceeds the AL, measures taken to ensure that alternate drinking water has been made available, and information regarding the health effects of lead. 

• Website Posting: If an entity does not have its own website, test results and exceedance notifications must be posted on the district's website.

Exemptions:

Entities may request an exemption from testing during a designated testing year if they can demonstrate that they do not use any drinking water outlets for consumption or food preparation in any of their facilities. An approved exemption must be made available for public inspection at the facility and on the entity’s website. Even with an exemption, an SOA must still be submitted annually. 

For more detailed information and resources, please refer to the NJDOE's official page on Testing for Lead in School Drinking Water.