BILLINGS — A proposed update to state health rules would require all Montana schools to test their water for lead.
The Billings Gazette reported Wednesday that lead testing is among the updated health and facilities rules sought by the Montana Department of Health and Human Services.
The health department says lead is “a neurotoxin that can accumulate in the body over time with long lasting effects, particularly for children.”
Most Montana schools are not required to test water for lead unless they effectively operate their own water systems.
Some state education leaders express concerns the rules exceed what schools can implement and have signed a letter requesting an extension of the proposal’s public comment period.
The letter says the proposal “will have major fiscal and administrative impacts on schools, including unfunded mandates.”