Senate unanimously votes to enact Millett bill to ensure safe drinking water in Maine schools

AUGUSTA — The Maine Senate voted Thursday to enact legislation from Sen. Rebecca Millett, D-Cape Elizabeth, that would help ensure safe drinking water in schools. LD 153, “An Act To Strengthen Testing for Lead in School Drinking Water,” received unanimous, bipartisan support.

“We know now that lead contamination can come from a variety of sources, including aging pipes. We also know that lead contamination can do serious, lasting harm to growing minds and bodies,” said Sen. Millett, who serves as chair of the Legislature’s Education and Cultural Affairs Committee. “I’m glad my colleagues in the Senate have taken such a strong stance in supporting the health of our children.”

Currently, only schools that are on well water are required to test for lead contamination in drinking and cooking water. Sen. Millett’s bill would require all schools to test for lead contamination in drinking and cooking water to the extent that the Department of Health and Human Services can provide necessary funds and resources to the school for the testing.

According to the Centers for Disease Control, children who are exposed to lead can suffer damage to the brain and nervous system, slowed growth and development, learning and behavior problems, and hearing and speech problems.

The bill now goes to the office of Gov. Janet Mills. The governor has 10 days to either veto the bill, sign it, or allow it to become law without her signature.