NJ S3223

Schools and child care centers in New Jersey must test all drinking water outlets for lead within one year and at least every two years thereafter, using DEP-certified laboratories and specific sampling protocols requiring water to sit undisturbed for 8-48 hours before testing.

Facilities must publicly post all test results within 96 hours; if lead exceeds 5 parts per billion, written notification to parents, staff, and the Department of Education or Children and Families is required, including health effects information and remediation steps.

Point-of-use water filters certified to NSF/ANSI standards 42 and 53 must be installed at all drinking fountains and faucets used for drinking or food preparation within one year, with replacement cartridges installed per manufacturer recommendations.

The 5 parts per billion action level is more stringent than the current federal standard of 15 parts per billion, and testing frequency is increased from the current three-year cycle to every two years.

The Commissioners of Education and Children and Families are authorized to adopt rules and regulations to implement these requirements.