Covered entities are required to test for lead in drinking water during the designated 2021-2022 testing year by June 30, 2022, as outlined on the New Jersey Department of Education’s Testing for Lead in School Drinking Water webpage, in accordance with N.J.A.C. 6A:26-12.4, according to the New Jersey Department of Education.
They will also have to test for lead by June 30 every third school year thereafter (e.g., the next designated statewide testing year will be the 2024-2025 school year). To support districts in implementing the requirements, the NJDOE has released the following:
- 2021-2022 Testing for Lead in School Drinking Water Statement of Assurance: Covered entities must complete and submit this statement by June 30.
- 2021-2022 Application for Exemption from Safe Drinking Water Testing: Covered entities seeking an exemption from lead testing requirements for the 2021-2022 school year must submit this form.
- Exceedance Notification Template Letter: The NJDOE recommends that covered entities utilize this template to provide written notification of any results that exceed the action level of 15 µg/l [ppb].
- 2021-2022 Water Testing Reimbursement Form: Covered entities must submit requests for reimbursement for eligible costs by Aug. 31, 2022.
For additional background on requirements governing testing for lead in school drinking water, and more information, refer to the NJDOE’s complete memo.