Under a new stipulation signed into law Tuesday by Gov. Andrew Cuomo, schools in New York are required now to test drinking water for lead, as The New York Times and other outlets reported.
Schools will provide parents and officials with reports of the testing results. Those schools with lead contamination will be required to find a solution to provide another water supply.
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“These rigorous new protections for New York’s children include the toughest lead contamination testing standards in the nation,” Gov. Cuomo said, “and provide clear guidance to schools on when and how they should test their water.”
Elementary schools must complete testing by the end of September. Other schools have a deadline at the end of October.
Testing will occur every five years, according to The Times.
Lead poisoning has a detrimental effect on children. It has been linked to learning disabilities, decreased IQ, hearing loss, speech development problems, and violent behavior.
New York is the first state in the nation to conduct statewide inspections, Cuomo said.
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