Lead in Drinking Water - Schools Information

Learn more about lead in drinking water and how it affects schools

How Does it Affect Schools?

Exposure to lead is a significant health concern. The growing bodies of children and infants absorb more lead than the average adult. Drinking water is one possible, but not the only, source of lead exposure. Infants whose diets consist of formula may get lead exposure from tap water used to make the formula.

Here, school faculty and water providers will find some helpful tools needed to prepare for and carry out a sampling program for lead in drinking water at their facilities. The tools are presented by topic and provide convenient access to helpful videos, images, forms, guidance and tips.

Lead pipe

Note: If your school is a Public Water System (Non-Transient Non-Community – NTNC) you must comply with the Department of Education’s (DOE) lead testing regulations described below as well as the Lead and Copper Rule (LCR). Refer to the Public Water System website for LCR guidance.

If you are a Child Care Center and your water is supplied by a community water system, please note that guidance material is currently under development to aid in complying with the Department of Children and Families, Office of Licensing (DCF-OOL) new lead and copper sampling requirements.

See the “Crosswalk for Lead Sampling in Schools and Child Care Centers” for additional guidance.

The DOE issued a Lead Testing Reminder on February 7, 2019.  

The DOE lead testing regulations can be found at N.J.A.C.6A:26-12.4 , with additional definitions posted at 6A:26-1.2. For questions regarding reimbursements and exemptions please visit DOE’s website or contact DOE at leadtesting@doe.state.nj.us. If you have questions or suggestions regarding DEP’s Lead Sampling Information for Schools, please submit them to watersupply@njdepwptest.net.

Overview Document
Sampling Plan
Quality Assurance Project Plan ( QAPP ) and List of NJ Certified Laboratories
Quick Reference Sampling Guide
Guidance and Tools
FAQs

About Your Water System

Most water systems test for lead as a regular part of water monitoring. These tests give a system-wide perspective and do not reflect conditions at a specific drinking water outlet.

  • NJ public water systems sampling results may be found at NJ Drinking Water Watch.
  • You may also request a Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) from your water supplier.
  • If you are uncertain who your water supplier is, look it up here.

Additional Resources