Considerations for improving the implementation of state lead-testing programs include establishing priority locations for sampling, precisely labeling samples, and developing well-defined testing and reporting protocols.Ĭonsumption of safe drinking water is essential to health (1) however, concern that available water is unsafe discourages consumption (2). In our study, geography influenced access to safe drinking water in schools, including both water utility safety standards and school lead-testing practices. Hallways and common spaces and food services areas were the most frequent school locations tested one-third of all locations sampled could not be identified. Compared with city schools, rural schools had the highest odds of not participating in the water testing program for lead (OR = 3.43 CI, 1.46–8.05 P =. Suburban schools had lower odds of being served by noncompliant water systems (OR = 0.17 CI, 0.05–0.64 P =. Of the schools tested, 3% (n = 6) had at least 1 sample that exceeded 15 parts per billion (ppb) (California action level) and 16% (n = 28) exceeded 5 ppb (bottled water standard). Of the 240 schools, the majority (n = 174) tested drinking water for lead.
We used multivariable logistic regression, accounting for clustering of tested water sources in schools, to examine school-level factors associated with failure to meet lead-testing deadlines and any history of water utility noncompliance. Our study focused on a random sample of 240 California public and charter schools. Our objective was to describe 1) results from this testing program in the context of other available water safety data and 2) factors related to schools and water utilities associated with access to safe drinking water in schools. Recent legislation requires public and charter schools in California to test drinking water for lead. What are the implications for public health practice?įindings regarding facilitators and barriers to successful water testing in schools can be used to improve the development and implementation of water safety policies in the United States and elsewhere. Ours is the first postimplementation examination of overall water quality in schools that includes both data on health standards compliance for water systems and results of tests for lead in drinking water. Some states have launched testing programs in schools for lead in drinking water, but information on these programs is lacking. Consumption of lead or other contaminants from drinking water is responsible for several health issues during childhood development.
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