Provides for filter-first drinking water management plans where there is a finding of lead contamination in an affected school district.
Impact
If passed, S07777 would significantly update the public health law to impose stricter requirements on schools regarding water testing for lead contamination. It will require the installation of filtered bottle-filling stations and filtered faucets in educational facilities, promoting safer drinking options for students. The bill also places the responsibility on school districts to notify parents of test results and provides a framework for regular maintenance and monitoring of water safety infrastructure, aiming to protect children from the harmful effects of lead exposure.
Summary
Bill S07777 aims to address lead contamination in school potable water systems by mandating all school districts and cooperative educational services to conduct triennial testing of first-drawn tap water in occupied school buildings. If lead levels are found to exceed the action threshold, the legislation requires swift implementation of a filter-first drinking water management plan, ensuring that safe drinking water is provided to students until remediation efforts are complete. This bill is a critical move to enhance the safety of drinking water in schools, which has been a concern for public health officials and parents alike.
Contention
Notable points of contention surrounding S07777 include the potential financial implications for school districts. Critics have raised concerns about the costs associated with implementing the required filtration systems and conducting the mandated testing. Additionally, there may be debates about the sufficiency of penalties for non-compliance with the new regulations. This concern about budget constraints could lead to challenges both in the legislation's passage and its future enforcement, emphasizing the need for adequate funding to support school water safety initiatives.
Requires potable water testing at state and local parks at least once every three years and any finding of lead contamination must be abated within ninety days.
Requires potable water testing at state and local parks at least once every three years and any finding of lead contamination must be abated within ninety days.
Provides for apportionment for charter school tuition payments for any school district that is required to pay tuition to charter schools in the two thousand twenty-three-two thousand twenty-four school year and thereafter.
Requires public housing authorities with housing complexes containing one hundred or more units to provide at least three meals or meal vouchers and drinking water for all tenants in the affected buildings each day of a disruption in water services that requires a pause of tenant use of water for drinking or cooking lasting over twenty-four hours.
Requires public housing authorities with housing complexes containing one hundred or more units to provide at least three meals or meal vouchers and drinking water for all tenants in the affected buildings each day of a disruption in water services that requires a pause of tenant use of water for drinking or cooking lasting over twenty-four hours.
Establishes the East of Hudson watershed road salt reduction task force, pilot plan and test program to conduct a comprehensive review of road salt contamination and road management best practices within the East of Hudson watershed.
Establishes the East of Hudson watershed road salt reduction task force, pilot plan and test program to conduct a comprehensive review of road salt contamination and road management best practices within the East of Hudson watershed.