State Superintendent of Public Instruction, Tom Torlakson, took a stand for water justice this week when he issued a letter to County and District Superintendents and Charter School Administrators regarding commitment to having clean water in California schools. Torklakson cited CWC's recent report on unsafe drinking water in schools which found many schools are impacted by unsafe drinking water. His letter, the full text of which is below, urged schools to work with water providers to ensure "all students...have access to clean drinking water at all times." CWC thanks Torklakson for his leadership on the issue, and we look forward to increased collaboration with California Department of Education and our local and state water agencies on improved water quality and access in schools.
Dear County and District Superintendents and Charter School Administrators:
I encourage all California schools to consider testing water quality and replace drinking fountains and faucets when necessary.
All students should have access to clean drinking water at all times. Students need fresh water, nutritious meals, and appropriate physical activity to be ready to learn in class.
A May 5, 2016, report by the Community Water Center and the Environmental Justice Coalition for Water noted that some school districts received water from water districts and other sources that, at times, did not meet primary drinking water standards.
The California Department of Education and individual school districts do not maintain records of water suppliers to schools because state and federal law assign that responsibility to water providers. Nonetheless, school districts should know about existing resources that are available to assure water quality. The Association of California Water Agencies provides extensive information about water quality at http://www.acwa.com/content/water-quality/water-quality.
When your school district is upgrading or replacing drinking fountains or other water equipment, contact your local water provider to see if they offer free or reduced-price testing. Water quality reports are also available from your water provider.
The lead content in the drinking water crisis in Flint, Michigan might raise concerns here in California. California’s water agencies regularly test for lead in their systems and at the tap to comply with both state and federal laws. Water agencies also actively utilize corrosion control measures to prevent any lead that might be present from leaching into tap water.
California reduced the lead content standard for drinking water plumbing from 4 to 0.25 percent in 2010 with “No Lead Law” legislation (AB 1953), effective in 2010.
All schools can work with their local water service to make sure students have access to clean water. Thank you for your attention to this important issue.
Read more here: http://www.cde.ca.gov/nr/el/le/yr16ltr0617.asp