HARRISBURG – Lead poisoning has well-documented adverse effects on children, such as brain and nervous system damage, physical growth delays, learning and behavior problems, and speech and hearing impairment. A bipartisan bill has been introduced to ensure PA students have access to safe, lead-free drinking water in schools. Senate Bill 759 would require school districts to replace outdated drinking fountains with lead-filtering hydration stations by 2028 while providing funding mechanisms to help schools cover implementation costs. Bill supporters say proactive steps are needed to reduce children’s exposure to lead and ensure our schools are equipped with safer, modern hydration systems. In a time where replacing the entire plumbing infrastructure of old school buildings is often cost-prohibitive, filtered faucets and bottle-filling stations, as well as under-sink point-of-use filters, are an integral part of the solution. The bill awaits a vote in the PA Senate Institutional Sustainability and Innovation Committee.
