Senate enacts Millett bill to ensure safe drinking water in schools
The Maine Senate voted 32-3 on April 12 to enact a bill 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,” would require all schools to test drinking and cooking water for lead contamination.
“We often say that our kids deserve a good education, no matter their zip code. With this vote we’re also saying that no matter their school’s water supply, they shouldn’t be exposed to lead,” said Sen. Millett. “Lead poisoning can have disastrous, long-lasting effects on children, and our students shouldn’t have to fear exposure when they’re at school to learn and grow.”
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 yearly-basis.
LD 40 now goes to the House for an enactment vote, likely tomorrow. An earlier enactment vote in the House failed to gain the two-thirds majority vote necessary for enactment, as is required for mandates.
