Until now, schools in NY were not required to test drinking water for lead, said the state, adding that testing was voluntary and administered by the federal Environmental Protection Agency.
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Restaurants and bars outside of New York City will also be allowed to apply for up to 12 one-day permits each year that will allow them to serve alcohol even earlier at 8 a.m. for special events, such as when the New York Giants face the Los Angeles Rams in London at 9:30 a.m. on Sunday, October 23rd. Schools must cut off any water source with lead levels above 15 parts per billion and provide another supply.
New tests will occur every five years or on a schedule worked out by the state’s health commissioner.
Known as the “Brunch Bill”, the legislation was approved by the Assembly and Senate in June and was spurred by the recommendations of a task force Cuomo created to study New York’s antiquated alcohol laws.
And some may be eligible for a waiver if they can prove testing was already done in compliance with the new regulations. Amedore touted the law as a “common-sense solution” to ensure safe drinking water in schools.
NY liquor law had not been updated in decades and many had called for an overhaul, blaming the old law for making it hard for companies to operate in the state.
Lead exposure can cause significant neurological impairments in children.
Assemblyman Angelo Santabarbara, D-Rotterdam, said the law provided a transparent process for reporting results to the community while providing guidance for remediation of lead contaminations. “In schools. So it’s really important that we do this”, said NYSSBA Executive Director Tim Kremer. Test results generally revealed plumbing fixtures are likely the source of lead detected in water samples.
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Elementary schools must complete the tests by the end of this month.
