Lead Concentrations in US School Drinking Water: Testing Programs, Prevalence, and Policy Opportunities, 2016‒2018.

Abstract

<b>Objectives.</b> To detail baseline drinking water sample lead concentrations and features of US state-level programs and policies to test school drinking water for lead in 7 states' operating programs between 2016 and 2018. <b>Methods.</b> We coded program and policy documents using structured content analysis protocols and analyzed state-provided data on lead concentration in drinking water samples collected in public schools during initial testing phases. <b>Results.</b> We analyzed data from 5688 public schools, representing 35% of eligible schools in 7 states. The number of samples per school varied. The proportion of schools identifying any sample lead concentration exceeding 5 parts per billion varied (13%-81%). Four states exceeded 20%. Other program features varied among states. Instances of lead above the state action level were identified in all states. <b>Conclusions.</b> In 2018, many US public school students attended schools in states without drinking water lead-testing programs. Testing all drinking water sources may be recommended. <b>Public Health Implications.</b> Initiating uniform school drinking water lead testing programs and surveillance over time could be used to reduce risk of lead exposure in drinking water. (<i>Am J Public Health</i>. 2022;112(S7):S679-S689. https://doi.org/10.2105/AJPH.2022.306961).