GA HB543

All child care learning centers and public/private schools must test drinking water outlets for lead contamination by July 1, 2026, and develop remediation plans for any contamination found at 5 parts per billion or greater.

Facilities finding lead contamination must notify parents and staff in writing, post results publicly, submit results to the Department of Public Health, and provide alternate drinking water sources during remediation.

The Department of Public Health must establish testing and remediation rules by January 1, 2026, in consultation with Environmental Protection Division, Department of Education, and Department of Early Care and Learning.

The Department of Education may provide grants to child care centers and schools to assist with compliance, subject to available funding.

Facilities already classified as public water systems under federal regulations are exempt, and charter schools, charter systems, and strategic waiver school systems cannot obtain waivers from these requirements.