NY S07103

School districts and boards of cooperative educational services must conduct periodic first-drawn tap water testing for lead contamination in occupied school buildings, unless already classified as a public water system under federal law, with testing conducted by commissioner-approved entities at times when lead levels are anticipated to be highest.

Schools finding lead contamination must test at least every six months until acceptable levels are achieved, provide safe drinking water to occupants, and notify parents in writing and post results on the school district website.

Schools must make all test results available to the public on their websites, notify parents, teachers, administrators, and employee organizations of results, and submit findings to the state and county health departments; the state health commissioner and education commissioner must publish a report on findings and send it to legislative leaders.

School buildings constructed after 2014 are exempt from testing requirements, and the state health commissioner may establish additional exemptions through regulations.

School districts receive additional building aid to cover approved expenditures for potable water testing, with the aid amount based on the building aid ratio and actual approved costs, subject to a special cost allowance prescribed by the commissioner.