Wisconsin Senate Bill SB1078

Wisconsin 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/6/24
• Refer: 3/6/24
• Failed: 4/15/24

Caption

Providing safe drinking water in public and private schools. (FE)

Impact

The legislation will further require schools to conduct regular water testing and implement corrective actions if contaminants exceed safe thresholds. Specifically, if lead concentrations detected in water exceed one part per billion, schools must assess and address the situation by testing, notifying parents, and potentially installing new filtration systems. This will necessitate significant collaboration between school administrations and the state's Department of Public Instruction to ensure compliance with health standards and protocols for managing water quality.

Summary

Senate Bill 1078 seeks to enhance the safety of drinking water in public and private schools by mandating the development of comprehensive drinking water management plans. Each school must outline the locations of filtered water stations and faucets that meet specific safety standards for lead and perfluorinated compounds (PFOA and PFOS). The bill aims to establish preventive measures to ensure that all drinking water for human consumption is free from contaminants and to mitigate potential health risks associated with lead and PFAS exposure.

Contention

While the bill is aimed at protecting students' health, there are concerns surrounding its implementation and funding. Critics argue that the requirements for regular testing and the installation of filtered water systems could impose financial burdens on schools. Moreover, the bill does not allocate funding for the grants necessary to assist schools in compliance, which may lead to disparities in water safety measures across different districts. Proponents of the bill emphasize that ensuring access to safe drinking water is vital for student health and academic performance.