Congressman's Bill Aims To Eliminate Lead In School Drinking Water

BERGEN COUNTY, NJ — Rep. Josh Gottheimer's next great battleground in North Jersey's school is against something that is unseen: Lead in drinking water.

Gottheimer (NJ-5) announced introduction of the Lead-Free Schools Act. The legislation would require schools' water to be tested more often and help fund continued testing and replace infrastructure and water systems that lead to lead in water.

"The science is clear. When children are exposed to lead, their development could be delayed, they face learning disabilities, and appetite and weight loss. In the worst cases, children could develop permanent damage to their kidneys and nervous systems," Gottheimer said. "They could experience seizures, hearing loss, and vomiting. And the greatest risk is to brain development, with subtle and irreversible damage."

Gottheimer referenced several 5th Congressional school districts where lead could possible exist, including Hackensack and Ridgewood, or where lead has already been found: Englewood and Saddle River. At risk are schools that were constructed from 1919 and 1969, when lead was used to create water pipes.

Information and test results would be required to be published online.

"It's no wonder so many moms and dads are walking on eggshells about what’s going on about lead water in schools and communities," Gottheimer said. "I know that it’s something that my wife and I talk about too often and I hear a lot about this issue from other parents. I don’t blame them for being concerned."

It costs about $50 to test a school's water fountains and sinks, officials said. The bill will help test water at the district's 90,000 schools across the country, including those in the 5th District.

"When it comes to the problem of lead in our drinking water, we need more funding and protections, not less. The Congressman's legislation is bringing attention to this absolutely critical issue," said Alyssa Bradley of Clean Water Action, a nonprofit. "When sending our children to school here in New Jersey, the only thing we should be worried about is the quality of their education."

The legislation would also help fund the replacement of water fountains that were installed before 1988 through $5 million in grants annually.

"It’s not a Democratic or Republican issue," Gottheimer said. "It’s a 5th District issue. It’s an American issue."

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Photo, form left: Northvale Mayor Ed Piehler, Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5), and Alyssa Bradley, Clean Water Action.