KALISPELL, Mont. — Montana schools must test drinking water for lead content following state rule changes related to school health.
The Daily Inter Lake reported schools may begin in March with a December 2021 deadline to complete testing.
Schools are required to test all fixtures providing water for human consumption or food preparation including sinks, drinking fountains and water bottle refill stations.
State officials have encouraged elementary schools to begin testing first because young, developing children are particularly vulnerable to lead exposure.
The Montana Department of Environmental Quality says results will be published online as they become available.