Bill > A08287

This bill mandates that New York schools take immediate action to address lead contamination in their drinking water and implement comprehensive water management plans. Specifically, if lead contamination is found, schools must install filtered bottle-filling stations or filtered faucets within sixty days and continue testing the water. The bill also requires all school districts, including charter and independent schools, to develop and submit a drinking water management plan to the state department of health within one year of the law's enactment. This plan must detail the location of all water outlets, specifying where filtered bottle-filling stations or filtered faucets will be maintained for human consumption, and outline a schedule for filter replacements. By the start of the 2027-2028 school year, schools must have installed all required filtered stations and faucets, shut off any non-filtered outlets used for consumption, and posted clear signage indicating the purpose of each water outlet. The bill defines "filtered bottle-filling station" as an apparatus that filters water to meet specific standards for lead and particulate removal, includes a filter replacement indicator, is designed to fill bottles, and also incorporates a drinking fountain, while a "filtered faucet" is a faucet with an integrated filter meeting similar standards. Importantly, expenses for these installations and maintenance will be fully reimbursable from state funds designated for clean water infrastructure projects.

Health and Social Services

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A8287