NJ School Lead Testing Overview
New Jersey school entities follow lead-testing requirements under N.J.A.C. 6A:26-12.4, distinct from EPA recommendations and from child-care requirements.
Short answer: New Jersey runs statewide designated testing years; as of the last review, NJDOE lists 2027–2028 as the next designated statewide testing year, current NJDOE materials use a 15 µg/L action level for outlet results, and schools must submit an Annual Statement of Assurance by June 30. Recheck NJDOE's current instructions before publication or action — these details can change.
Who this is for: school facilities managers, business administrators, and district staff responsible for drinking-water compliance.
What's required vs. recommended
| Item | Source |
|---|---|
| Statewide designated testing cycle | Required by N.J.A.C. 6A:26-12.4 / current NJDOE instructions |
| Annual Statement of Assurance | Required by current NJDOE instructions, due June 30 |
| Posting current results on the school website | Required by current NJDOE instructions |
| Notification after elevated results | Required by current NJDOE instructions |
| Retesting after outlet replacement | Required by current NJDOE instructions |
| Flushing, filter maintenance, low-use outlet management | Recommended operational practice / EPA 3Ts |
Key requirements
- Follow the current statewide designated testing year and any interim requirements between cycles.
- Submit the Annual Statement of Assurance by the current deadline (June 30 under current instructions).
- Post required current results on the school's website.
- Notify parents and staff after a result above the applicable action level.
- Retest after replacing an outlet or altering plumbing connected to a drinking-water fixture.
- Understand current exemption conditions before assuming a building or outlet is exempt.
Common mistakes
- Applying pending legislation as if it were already enacted
- Confusing the school action level with the public-system Lead and Copper Rule trigger or action level
- Missing the SOA deadline because it was assumed to align with the testing cycle
Official sources
- N.J.A.C. 6A:26-12.4
- NJDOE Office of School Facilities
- U.S. EPA 3Ts for Reducing Lead in Drinking Water in Schools
Related
Is 2027–2028 confirmed as the next testing year?
As of this page's last review, NJDOE listed 2027–2028 as the next designated statewide testing year. Confirm current NJDOE instructions before relying on this date, since designated years and instructions can be updated.
This page provides general educational information and is not legal or regulatory advice. NJDOE requirements change — verify current instructions before publication or action.
Last reviewed: 2026-07-11. Report a correction.