Tell Georgia schools: Get the Lead Out

Dear School District Leaders,

School children in Georgia are at risk of being exposed to lead, a potent neurotoxin that affects how children think, learn and behave. Lead is so toxic that the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends a health standard of no more than 1 part per billion. That equates to about a single drop of water in an entire swimming pool.

Here in Georgia, only a few schools have tested for lead. But according to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, schools that have tested have found sinks and fountains producing readings higher than 600 parts per billion, 600 times the limit recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics. The lack of lead testing in Georgia suggests these confirmed cases are just the tip of the iceberg. Most schools have at least some lead in their pipes, plumbing, faucets or drinking fountains. Where there is lead, there is risk of contamination.

Now is the time to act to get the lead out of drinking water for children in Georgia. Please take advantage of the recently passed federal funding from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and/or the American Rescue Plan by using the allocated lead remediation dollars to install water hydration stations with lead filters and opt-in to the Clean Water for Georgia Kids testing program by Fall of 2022.