State Republicans Floating a Bill to Help Schools Install and Maintain Filters on Water Fountains

Wednesday, February 19th, 2025 -- 9:00 AM

(Danielle Kaeding, Wisconsin Public Radio) Republican lawmakers are floating a bill that would help schools install and maintain filters on bubblers and bottle filling stations to prevent exposure to lead and PFAS in drinking water.

According to Danielle Kaeding with Wisconsin Public Radio, the proposal is in line with Gov. Tony Evers’ goal to modernize drinking water fountains to eliminate harmful contaminants from drinking water, which he announced during his State of the State address.

Republicans State Sen. Andre Jacque and Reps. Jeff Mursau and Todd Novak are circulating the draft legislation. The proposal is similar to a bill introduced late in the last legislative session that failed to advance.

Under the bill, school boards at public and private schools must develop plans to manage drinking water that include installation of filtered bottle filling stations or faucets. Schools would also be required to develop a schedule for sampling and testing water for lead and the two most widely studied PFAS chemicals, PFOA and PFOS.

“We’ve had concerns, whether it’s lead pipes or other contaminants, certainly emerging contaminants, PFAS and microplastics. But this is really a potential opportunity to ensure that students can go to school and know that what they get from the bubbler is safe,” Jacque told WPR.

Lead exposure can damage the brain and kidneys, and children with lead poisoning can experience learning and behavioral issues. There is no safe level of lead.

Research shows high exposure to PFAS, short for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, has been linked to kidney and testicular cancers, fertility issues, thyroid disease and reduced response to vaccines over time.

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