Pursuant to RSMo 160.077; Get the Lead Out of School Drinking Water Act (2022), beginning in the 2023-24 school year and for each subsequent school year, each school shall provide drinking water with a lead concentration level below five (5) parts per billion (ppb) in sufficient amounts to meet the drinking water needs of all students and staff. This legislation states that on or before January 1, 2024, each school shall:
o Create an inventory of water outlets used for drinking/cooking
o Create a plan for testing those outlets for lead and make the plan available to the public
o Provide access to information about the health effects of lead to the public
Priority is to be given to facilities that house early childhood education programs, kindergartens and elementary schools.
The State of Missouri has allocated a one-time amount of $27 million to distribute to public school districts for testing, remediation, and filtration of drinking water to protect against lead exposure. The District has applied for the maximum amount allocated to assist in these efforts.
The first requirement, identifying an inventory of water outlets used for drinking/cooking, has been completed. Development of a plan for testing identified outlets is in process. This plan, as well as the required information regarding the health effects of lead, will be posted to the District website prior to the January 1, 2024 deadline.