Sen. Schumer introduces bill for lead-testing funds

Sen. Charles Schumer on Wednesday promised grant money to Long Island schools to test their water to ensure safe drinking. The push comes in the wake of the lead-contaminated water crisis in Flint,

News 12 Staff

Mar 24, 2016, 1:55 AM

Updated 3,097 days ago

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Sen. Charles Schumer on Wednesday promised grant money to Long Island schools to test their water to ensure safe drinking.
The push comes in the wake of the lead-contaminated water crisis in Flint, Michigan, as well as the discovery of elevated levels of lead in schools' water around the state.
The legislation would provide 100 percent reimbursement for school districts that decide to test for lead.
Schumer said about $100 million in grant money will go toward testing the water. The bill is expected to pass by next January.
Currently, no Long Island school districts are reporting problems with lead-ridden water. According to officials, water is lead free when it reaches a building, but can become contaminated if the system is still using old, lead pipes.
The use of lead pipes for plumbing was discontinued in 1986.