Senate enacts Millett bill to ensure safe drinking water in schools

AUGUSTA — On Wednesday, the Maine Senate unanimously voted to enact amended legislation from Sen. Rebecca Millett, D-Cape Elizabeth, to ensure safe drinking water in Maine schools.

As amended, the bill, LD 40, “An Act To Strengthen Requirements for Water Testing for Schools,” directs the Maine Department of Education to use existing funds to develop a grant program so Maine schools can test drinking and cooking water for lead contamination.

“Lead poisoning can have disastrous, long-term effects on the brain development of our children. It only makes sense that we take the proper steps to ensure the cooking and drinking water in our schools is safe and free from harmful lead,” said Sen. Millett. “I am thrilled that we were finally able to pass this bill and send it to the governor’s desk. It both promotes lead testing in schools and makes sure schools can access funds to pay for testing.”

Lead poisoning causes permanent and irreversible cognitive impairment. Children and their developing brains are especially at risk of damage from exposure to lead.

Current Maine law only requires water testing in schools that do not use public water sources. However, schools using public water sources are not immune to contamination. Several state investigations have found that schools using public water have tested positive for high-lead levels. LD 40 would close this loophole and keep more children safe from harmful toxins.

A recent report from Environment Maine, “Get the Lead Out: Ensuring Safe Drinking Water for Our Children at School,” grades states for their work to protect children from lead poisoning at school. Maine, along with 11 other states, earned an “F.” The report notes that Maine has “particularly corrosive water, which can dissolve lead from plumbing systems” and recommends testing all water sources used for drinking and cooking on a annual basis.

LD 40 will now head to the Governor’s office awaiting his signature. Gov. LePage has 10 days to sign the bill, veto it, or allow it to take effect without his signature.

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