In April 2016, Governor Charlie Baker and State Treasurer Deb Goldberg launched a cooperative program to help Massachusetts public schools voluntarily test for lead and copper in drinking water. As part of this program, the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP), University of Massachusetts – Amherst, and the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority (MWRA) will provide technical assistance to public schools and childcare facilities to establish a lead and copper in drinking water program. Technical assistance will include: helping public schools and childcare facilities to establish a program, provide lab analysis of samples taken at taps and water fountains used for drinking and cooking, and assist with the identification of fixtures with lead and copper concentrations over Massachusetts’ lead and copper Action Levels and to provide guidance on possible remedial actions.
