CHICAGO — All schools and day cares must test their water for elevated levels of lead under a measure signed into law Monday morning by Gov. Bruce Rauner.
"Today is about our future, about making sure our students are not exposed to lead poisoning," said Rauner, who was joined at the bill signing by the Rev. Jesse Jackson Sr. "This shows what is possible when we work together. It is a step in protecting our children from the devastating effects of lead exposure.”
Chicago Public Schools officials began testing water at city schools this summer, and vowed to test all elementary schools this fall.
The Environmental Protection Agency considers water with less than 15 parts per billion of lead to be safe.
Public and private schools built before 1987 have until the end of the year to finish their testing, while those built before 2000 must complete testing by the end of 2018. Day care facilities built before 2000 and serve children younger than must also be tested.
Facilities that test positive must notify parents, according to the law.
CPS Chief Executive Officer Forrest Claypool called for citywide testing in late May after Tanner Elementary tested positive last month as part of a pilot program at 324 schools built before 1986 with pre-kindergarten programs.
The government is especially concerned with children drinking lead-tainted water, as they're more susceptible to its effects. Amounts of lead that won't hurt adults can hinder mental and physical development in children, according to the EPA.
