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E-Newsletter: Keeping School Drinking Water Safe

September 6, 2016
Blog

Dear neighbors,

It is our responsibility to make sure that public schools are safe for all of our children. Like many of you, I am deeply concerned about lead contaminated water that has been found in dozens of schools throughout New Jersey. That’s why I’ve been working to improve our nation’s water infrastructure and help provide clean drinking water for our schools.

Last month at Woodrow Wilson Elementary School in New Brunswick, I announced legislation to replace older drinking water fountains in schools that may contain lead. The bill, H.R.5886, would establish a grant program to provide assistance to local educational agencies for the replacement of drinking water fountains manufactured prior to 1988. It would authorize $25 million over the next five years to help replace these older fountains as well as supplement the costs of monitoring and reporting lead levels in the drinking water of schools.

Lead in school drinking water is an immediate and serious threat for children in cities across New Jersey and this nation. This important bill would protect countless school children from lead exposure. With another school year fast approaching, we need to take action on these issues as soon as possible.

Earlier this year I also introduced the AQUA Act, which significantly increases water infrastructure funding authorization levels so local communities can repair and replace aging water systems to ensure residents have access to clean and safe drinking water. While replacing school water fountains is critical, we need to have a comprehensive approach to making sure our children have clean water to drink.

If you have a moment, please respond to this email or contact my office to share your thoughts on improving drinking water infrastructure and what you think should be done about it. It is my job to represent you and I want to make sure that your views are taken into account while I’m fighting on your behalf.

Sincerely,

Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr.