Lead contamination in drinking water in school buildings — Sampling and testing — Data-sharing agreement.
RCW 43.70.830
in effect(1) The department shall conduct sampling and testing for lead contamination at drinking water outlets in school buildings built, or with all plumbing replaced, before 2016 as specified in this section. The department meets the requirements of this section when a school contracts for sampling and testing that meets the requirements of this section and submits the test results to the department according to a procedure and deadlines determined by the department. (2) Sampling and testing for the presence and level of lead in drinking water must meet the technical requirements described in the technical guidance. (3)(a) Initial testing for lead contamination in drinking water must be conducted between July 1, 2014, and June 30, 2026. (b) Retesting for lead contamination in drinking water must be conducted no less than every five years beginning July 1, 2026. (4)(a) The department shall develop and publish a two-year plan for sampling and testing. The plan must be updated at least annually. Prior to adding a school to the plan, the department must contact the school to determine whether the school has contracted, or is planning to contract, for sampling and testing. (b) Beginning July 1, 2026, in developing the two-year plan for sampling and testing, the department must group school buildings by governing body and then prioritize the groups based on the combined length of time since each school building built, or with all plumbing replaced, before 2016 was sampled and tested. (5) The department shall enter a data-sharing agreement with the office of the superintendent of public instruction for the purpose of compiling a list of school buildings built, or with all plumbing replaced, before 2016. (6) The definitions in RCW 28A.210.410 apply throughout this section unless the context clearly requires otherwise.
(1) The department shall conduct sampling and testing for lead contamination at drinking water outlets in school buildings built, or with all plumbing replaced, before 2016 as specified in this section. The department meets the requirements of this section when a school contracts for sampling and testing that meets the requirements of this section and submits the test results to the department according to a procedure and deadlines determined by the department.
(2) Sampling and testing for the presence and level of lead in drinking water must meet the technical requirements described in the technical guidance.
(3)(a) Initial testing for lead contamination in drinking water must be conducted between July 1, 2014, and June 30, 2026.
(b) Retesting for lead contamination in drinking water must be conducted no less than every five years beginning July 1, 2026.
(4)(a) The department shall develop and publish a two-year plan for sampling and testing. The plan must be updated at least annually. Prior to adding a school to the plan, the department must contact the school to determine whether the school has contracted, or is planning to contract, for sampling and testing.
(b) Beginning July 1, 2026, in developing the two-year plan for sampling and testing, the department must group school buildings by governing body and then prioritize the groups based on the combined length of time since each school building built, or with all plumbing replaced, before 2016 was sampled and tested.
(5) The department shall enter a data-sharing agreement with the office of the superintendent of public instruction for the purpose of compiling a list of school buildings built, or with all plumbing replaced, before 2016.
(6) The definitions in RCW 28A.210.410 apply throughout this section unless the context clearly requires otherwise.
Source: WA Statutes (Official Site)URL: https://app.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=43.70&full=trueFetched: 6/29/2026