Lead Contamination in California Schools: A Growing Concern
Lead contamination in drinking water poses a significant health risk to students in California schools. Exposure to lead can cause cognitive impairment, behavioral issues, and other long-term health problems, making it especially dangerous for young students.
According to the California Department of Public Health (CDPH), from 2018 to 2019, public K–12 schools built before 2010 were required to test their drinking water for lead. The CDPH's lead sampling program revealed that numerous schools exceeded state and federal limits for lead contamination.
The primary source of lead contamination in schools is outdated plumbing infrastructure, particularly old lead service lines and fixtures that leach lead into drinking water. Without proper intervention, children in these schools remain at risk of lead exposure every time they take a sip from or fill their water bottles. You can explore an interactive map of affected schools here: Lead Sampling in California Schools.
State Initiatives and Available Resources
Recognizing the urgency of this issue, California has launched several initiatives to combat lead contamination in schools. Proposition 2, approved by voters in November 2024, provides $10 billion in funding for K–12 public schools and community colleges, with a portion dedicated to improving health and safety conditions, including addressing lead contamination. More details on this initiative can be found here: Proposition 2 Analysis.
Another key effort is the Drinking Water for Schools Grant Program, which offers financial assistance to schools struggling with lead exceedances. Schools that qualify can receive grants to install water treatment devices or replace contaminated pipes. More information on lead sampling and grant opportunities can be found on the California Department of Public Health’s website: CDPH Lead Sampling Program.
Haws® Reliable Solutions for Schools
While full plumbing replacement is an option, Haws Corporation offers a faster, more cost-effective, and hassle-free solution to ensure safe drinking water in schools. Our products are designed to seamlessly integrate into existing infrastructure, making implementation quick and easy without requiring major renovations or costly plumbing overhauls.
For schools looking for an immediate and budget-friendly way to reduce lead contamination, Universal Filter Kits – Model 6480 & 6477 offer a seamless upgrade to existing drinking fountains.
- Universal Filter Kit – Model 6480 & 6477: Model 6480 is designed to fit any indoor or outdoor drinking fountains and Model 6477 is designed to fit our 3600 series outdoor fountains. This filter effectively reduces lead, chlorine, and other contaminants, ensuring cleaner, safer drinking water for students.
- NSF/ANSI 42 and 53 Certified: Independently tested and certified for chlorine taste and odor reduction (NSF 42) and lead reduction (NSF 53), meeting stringent water safety standards.
- Easy Installation & Maintenance: The filter retrofits onto existing fountains, providing an efficient solution without requiring major infrastructure changes. With a 3,000-gallon capacity and an easy quarter-turn replacement design, it ensures minimal maintenance and maximum convenience.
For schools looking for a permanent upgrade to outdated drinking fountains, Haws RIVIVEâ„¢, EWC Hydration Stationâ„¢ and Outdoor Bottle Filler & Drinking Fountain offer modern looking, hands-free hydration with NSF-certified lead reduction. These ADA-compliant, space-saving stations provide a sustainable solution for high-traffic areas while ensuring lead-free drinking water.
- RIVIVE™: A sleek, touchless bottle-filling station featuring field-configurable filtration—perfect for schools seeking a hygienic, vandal-resistant, and sustainable hydration solution.
- EWC Hydration Stationâ„¢: Available as a standalone bottle filler or paired with a drinking fountain, this system features Eco-Smart technology, a 24-hour purge, quick installation and maintenance, and is designed for seamless replacement of existing fountains.
- Outdoor Bottle Filler & Drinking Fountain: Designed for durability in outdoor school settings, this unit provides both bottle-filling and traditional drinking fountain access with lead-reducing filtration, making clean water easily accessible for students.
Upgrade to Haws drinking fountains and bottle fillers for clean, accessible, and lead-free water that keeps students safe and hydrated.
Take Action: How Parents and Educators Can Help Ensure Safe Drinking Water in Schools
Ensuring safe drinking water in schools requires action from parents, educators, and administrators. If a school has not addressed lead contamination, now is the time to push for change.
Advocate for Safer Water: Parents and educators can urge school districts to prioritize lead remediation by attending meetings and sharing funding opportunities.
Secure Funding: Schools can apply for financial assistance to upgrade water systems.
- Proposition 2: Grants for facility improvements, including water infrastructure.
- DWSRF: Financial aid for replacing lead pipes.
- California Drinking Water Programs: Additional grants for water safety.
Implement Immediate Solutions: Schools can act now with Haws Hydration solutions!
- Universal Filter Kits: Easily installed on existing fountains for fast lead reduction.
- Filtered Drinking Fountains & Bottle Fillers: Modern, filtered solutions for long-term water safety.
With available funding and practical solutions, schools can take immediate steps to ensure safe drinking water.
A Safer Future for Students
Lead contamination in California schools poses a serious health risk, but the good news is that solutions are readily available. With dedicated state funding and reliable filtration technology, schools can take immediate action to provide safe drinking water for students. Addressing this issue does not have to be overwhelming or costly—Haws retrofit filters and hydration solutions offer efficient, cost-effective options that schools can implement without major infrastructure overhauls.
Ensuring clean water for students requires collective action. Parents and educators play a crucial role in advocating for safer school environments. By urging school officials to prioritize lead remediation, applying for available grants, and supporting the adoption of filtration solutions, communities can drive meaningful change.
Every student deserves access to clean, lead-free drinking water. Together, we can protect their health, enhance their learning environment, and build a safer future for California’s schools.
