SALT LAKE CITY — Utah has become the first state in the nation to test 100% of its K-12 schools for lead contamination in drinking water, a significant public health milestone state officials say reflects years of planning, legislation and community support.
Through the Lead-Free Learning Initiative, managed by the Utah Division of Drinking Water, more than 1,150 schools and child care facilities—including public, charter, private, and home-based programs—had their water sources tested. A total of 1,158 samples were collected statewide.
“The school districts and community partners have been instrumental in reaching this all-time high participation rate,” said Dr. Nathan Lunstad, director of the Division of Drinking Water. “We are glad to have community support in providing clean drinking water.”
According to the most recently available student enrollment data, more than 39,000 students attend 60 public schools in Cache, Box Elder and Rich counties. Approximately 3,000 students attend 8 charter schools and another 200 attend 5 private schools.
Testing was voluntary until 2022, when state lawmakers passed House Bill 21, which requires all public and private schools to test drinking water taps and established an action level of 5 parts per billion for lead. The bill was sponsored by then-Rep. Stephen Handy and Sen. Jani Iwamoto.
“Every child in Utah should have access to clean, lead-free drinking water in their homes and places of learning,” Handy said. “Today, Utah is leading the nation in taking proactive steps for the health and safety of our youngest residents.”
Lead is a toxic metal that can harm nearly every organ system in the body. Children are especially vulnerable, with exposure linked to lower IQ, attention problems, and developmental delays. Dr. Alejandra Maldonado, Utah’s state toxicologist, said the scale of the testing effort is “an incredible achievement for public health.”
Although testing results are still being analyzed, the state emphasized that funding is available to help schools resolve any lead exceedances. Fixes can be as simple as replacing a fixture, and sampling costs are covered by the state, including shipping.
The program’s website, LeadFreeSchools.utah.gov, provides additional information for schools and parents.