Across California, concerns about lead contamination in school drinking water have drawn growing attention from parents, educators, and public health officials. While testing requirements and safety initiatives have expanded in recent years, the reality is that many older school buildings still contain plumbing and fixtures that can leach lead into water systems. Understanding how to identify potential exposure — and what steps to take if your child may have been affected — is an important part of protecting your family’s health.
Recognizing How Lead Enters School Water Systems
Lead is a toxic metal that can enter drinking water through corrosion of pipes, solder, or fixtures that contain lead components. Even at low levels, exposure can be harmful, particularly to children. Because lead is odorless, colorless, and tasteless, contamination often goes unnoticed unless proper testing is performed.
Schools built before 2010 are required under California law to conduct periodic testing for lead in drinking water. However, results can vary depending on the age of the building, maintenance practices, and the frequency of water use. Lead levels may also fluctuate throughout the day as water sits in pipes, which can make detection inconsistent if testing is not comprehensive.
Signs Your Child May Have Been Exposed to Lead
Lead exposure does not always cause immediate or obvious symptoms. In many cases, effects are gradual and may mimic other developmental or behavioral conditions. According to public health experts, possible signs of lead exposure in children can include:
- Difficulty concentrating or learning problems
- Fatigue or irritability
- Slower growth or developmental delays
- Stomach pain, constipation, or loss of appetite
- Hearing or speech issues
Because these symptoms are non-specific, testing is the only reliable way to determine whether lead exposure has occurred. Pediatricians can perform a simple blood test to measure lead levels. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advises that no level of lead in blood is considered safe for children.
Accessing School Water Test Results
California schools must make lead testing results publicly available. Parents can request these results directly from their child’s school or through the California State Water Resources Control Board. If your school has reported elevated lead levels or has not completed required testing, you may want to follow up with both the district and local health officials.
If test results indicate the presence of lead in school water, families should take immediate precautions, such as providing bottled or filtered water for drinking and cooking, until the issue is resolved. Documentation of school communication, testing reports, and any medical testing can be important for understanding the scope of potential exposure.
Understanding Legal Options and Accountability
When lead contamination is linked to institutional negligence — such as failing to test water systems, ignoring known contamination, or delaying remediation — affected families may have legal options. Environmental and toxic exposure laws are designed to ensure accountability when preventable harm occurs in public settings, such as schools.
At Kershaw Talley Barlow, we investigate lead exposure cases to determine where safety breakdowns occurred and how they impacted students and their families. Our attorneys work with scientific and medical experts to evaluate data, review maintenance records, and pursue justice for those affected by institutional failures.
California School Lead Contamination Lawsuits
Parents play a vital role in advocating for safe learning environments. Staying informed about water quality testing, understanding exposure risks, and seeking professional guidance are key steps in protecting your child’s health and ensuring accountability where necessary.
If you suspect that your child may have been exposed to lead at school, our experienced legal team can help you understand your options.
Contact Kershaw Talley Barlow at (916) 520-6639 to discuss your situation confidentially and learn how we can help protect your family’s rights.
