A law passed by Maine legislators in 2019 will require all schools to test water fixtures for lead starting next month.

According to the Portland Press Herald, that requirement previously only applied to schools that supply water through their own wells under federal law.

Under the new state law, the Maine Drinking Water program will begin coordinating lead testing of water fixtures used for drinking and cooking at all schools starting October 1st and running through the end of May.

Many Maine schools that use town water systems may have taken part in voluntary testing in the past, but the latest law will establish consistent requirements throughout the state.

The law also requires that the results of testing will be shared with parents, students and staff.