Report Details Lead Levels At New Milford Schools

NEW MILFORD, NJ — The New Milford School District is one of dozens included in a report highlighting the prevalence of lead in water supplies in school districts released by Rep. Josh Gottheimer.

The report analyzes every school district in the Fifth District, which Gottheimer represents, for their compliance with New Jersey's lead water reporting law.

The report states that results from the district's latest lead testing are available on its website and that all samples tested were under the U.S.-standard of 15 parts per billion when testing last occurred in June of 2017.

Of the 85 Fifth District schools, 19 percent did not report the results of lead testing on their website. Of the 81 percent that did, 46 indicated at least one outlet in the district had a problem with lead in the water.

"I believe it is essential that parents, teachers, and administrators have all of the information at their fingertips about lead levels in their schools, so they are well-informed about potential health issues their children may face, and communities can take necessary measures," Gottheimer said.

Gottheimer and Gov. Phil Murphy announced several initiatives Monday designed to strengthen the state's response to lead testing and fix elevated lead levels in drinking water in New Jersey schools. Those initiatives include requiring schools to test for lead every three years.

For more information about the initiatives or to view Gottheimer's complete report, click here.

Email: daniel.hubbard@patch.com