In accordance with the New Jersey Department of Education Educational Facilities regulations, all regulated entities are required to test for lead in school drinking water during the 2024-2025 school year and submit a statement of assurance to the NJDOE concerning lead in school drinking water.
In an advisory, the NJDOE noted that regulated entities are required to comply with certain testing and reporting requirements on or before June 30, 2025.
The advisory reviews the requirements, how to request an exemption, and how to notify the public about testing results. It also highlights what entities must do if any results exceed permissible levels as well as the process for submitting a statement of assurance to the NJDOE.
As per the advisory, covered entities, excluding state-funded early childcare facilities funded through a New Jersey Department of Children and Families grant, are eligible to be reimbursed for water supply testing and analysis conducted in accordance with N.J.A.C. 6A:26-12.4(g). An online application for entities to request reimbursement for testing completed will be provided at a later date. Reimbursement eligibility is subject to the NJDOE’s approval and available funding. Nonpublic schools may submit a reimbursement application to the NJDOE. Approval is subject to available funds.
State-funded early childcare facilities are also eligible for funding through the New Jersey Department of Children and Families. For more information, contact NJDCF’s Office of Licensing via email.
Other topics in the advisory include funding for remediation and common compliance and reporting errors.
Additional information is available on the NJDOE’s Testing and Reporting of Lead in School Drinking Water webpage. Technical questions regarding lead sampling and testing requirements should be emailed to the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection. Questions regarding NJDOE testing for lead in school drinking water rules, submissions and reimbursement should be sent via email.