No state mandate requires Pennsylvania schools to test for lead
The provision was inserted into the final 48 hours of budget negotiations earlier this month, according to records reviewed by Spotlight PA. Under the new language, schools that choose to test their drinking water for lead must report results to the state only when levels exceed five parts per billion. Previously, any detection above zero required reporting for public posting.
Pennsylvania law does not require schools to test for lead at all. Schools need only hold an annual public discussion of the topic. The change reduces the amount of information the state makes public when testing does occur.
The relaxation followed complaints from several statewide associations representing school boards, principals, and other school officials. The associations told education leaders that the state’s prior requirement — reporting any lead detection — was unrealistic without additional funding, the records show.
The budget containing the provision passed earlier this month.