Colorado high schools must test drinking water for lead if funded

Schools serving grades nine through twelve must test each drinking water source for lead if state funding is available. Covered schools serve at least one of grades nine through twelve. The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment must train these schools on testing, water maintenance, and reporting. The testing requirement depends on available state funding. A state-certified laboratory must measure the lead in samples collected under the latest federal guidance. Testing is due on or before May 31, 2027. Training is due within 180 days after the training provision takes effect.

The law sets aside $8.7 million from the school and child care clean drinking water fund for the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment to run the program. The program covers schools serving any grade from preschool through twelfth grade, child care centers, and family child care homes. Reimbursements for schools serving grades six through twelve depend on available state funding and the program's priority order. Money left in the fund on June 29, 2029, returns to the state's general fund. The $8.7 million is for the 2026–27 state budget year. Any of it unspent before July 1, 2027, remains available for the same purpose through the 2028–29 budget year.

Colorado's child care licensing department must adopt rules explaining how child care centers show they meet drinking water lead-testing requirements. The rules concern child care centers. The department must adopt the rules on or before July 1, 2027.