Sen. Frank Farry and Sen. Devlin Robinson hosted an informational hearing on May 8 examining legislation that aims to provide safe, lead-free drinking water for students in Pennsylvania schools.
The hearing at the Upper St. Clair Library focused on Senate Bill 759, sponsored by Robinson along with Sens. John Kane and Art Haywood. The proposed law would require school districts to replace outdated drinking fountains with lead-filtering hydration stations by 2028 and would include funding mechanisms to help cover costs.
“Every student deserves access to clean, safe drinking water while they are at school,” Robinson said. “Today’s discussion reinforced the importance of taking proactive steps to reduce children’s exposure to lead and ensure our schools are equipped with safer, modern hydration systems.” Farry said, “Providing students with access to clean drinking water is a basic responsibility, and today’s hearing highlighted both the importance and feasibility of addressing this issue. The testimony provided valuable insight into the health concerns associated with lead exposure and the practical steps schools can take to modernize aging infrastructure.”
Experts from environmental advocacy groups, public health organizations, plumbing manufacturing firms, and pediatric medicine spoke about the dangers of lead exposure for children in Pennsylvania schools during their testimony before committee members.
David Masur, executive director of PennEnvironment said: “Because children spend so much time in school buildings during the prime years of their development, lead contamination in school drinking water is particularly dangerous… For all these reasons, it is critical that the state legislature revisit this matter with a policy based on prevention… Sen. Robinson’s Senate Bill 759 will require school districts to install filters certified to remove lead on every tap used for drinking water.” Deborah Moss M.D., professor of pediatrics at University of Pittsburgh added: “Evidence from numerous studies over the past decades has taught us ––and the Centers for Disease Control and the American Academy of Pediatrics have confirmed –– that there is no safe level of lead in children.” Matthew P. Windrum from Plumbing Manufacturers International said filtered faucets are a cost-effective solution compared with repeated testing strategies in older buildings.
Michelle Naccarati-Chapkis from Women for a Healthy Environment urged passage of Senate Bill 759: “The health, wellness and academic performance of our children depend on it… Together we can create healthier school communities.” The legislation now awaits a vote in committee before moving forward.
Robinson represents parts of Allegheny County as a state senator; he has supported initiatives for veterans, first responders, law enforcement officers, small businesses and healthcare access according to the official website.
