Gottheimer Report: Several Bergen Schools Have High Lead Levels

BERGENFIELD, NJ – After two recently released reports show than more than 5 million New Jersey residents may be at risk of exposure to lead-contaminated water, state officials have announced several initiatives to strengthen the state’s response to testing and remediation.

Gov. Phil Murphy and U.S. Rep. Josh Gottheimer appeared Monday morning at Herbert Hoover Elementary School in Bergenfield to discuss new efforts to combat lead contamination in schools.

"I believe it is essential that parents, teachers, and administrators have all of the information at their fingertips about lead levels in their schools, so they are well-informed about potential health issues their children may face, and communities can take necessary measures," said Gottheimer said.

Over the weekend, Gottheimer released, “The State of Lead Water in Schools in New Jersey’s Fifth Congressional District,” which includes an assessment of 49 school districts in Bergen County.

His report can be viewed by clicking here.

Here are the Bergen County school district results from Gottheimer's report:

On Monday, the Murphy administration said it will implement a three-pronged approach to enhance key lead testing and remediation regulations. The plan includes requiring schools to test for lead every three years, rather than every six years, as well as the creation of a state-managed database complete with testing results from all school districts.

Read more: Gov. Murphy Takes Action As 150 Possible NJ Lead Water Sites ID'd

Murphy appeared with Gottheimer after an advocacy group in New Jersey revealed that lead service lines – the suspected source of Newark's water woes – have been reported in 104 water systems across the state, potentially affecting 5 million residents, according to New Jersey Future.

Read more: Newark Isn't Only NJ City At Risk Of Lead Water, Map Shows