If you have been following the news, you know that there has been much discussion lately about lead levels in school drinking water. In response to the elevated lead levels found in water at Newark schools, legislation has been introduced to require bi-annual water testing in all of the state’s schools.

The proposal would require the Department of Education and the State Department of Environmental Protection to develop guidelines for school water testing. Schools would provide a copy of the test results to both departments and notify parents of the results as well. Any school with high lead levels would be required to provide alternative sources for drinking water.

Over Easter break we had the water at both St. Rose High School and St. Rose Grammar School tested and I am happy to report that both schools passed with flying colors. The water in our schools is clean and safe.

The Borough of Belmar was very proactive in providing the testing ahead of any legislation. We extend a special thanks to Mayor Matt Doherty and the Borough of Belmar for contracting J. R. Henderson Labs, Inc. of Beachwood, NJ to conduct the testing.  Thank you, too, to Captain Andrew Huisman of Belmar and Mr. Charlie Kapighian, the SRGS Facilities Manager, for coordinating the testing for our schools.