Dear School Community, 

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, and as a precautionary measure, the school district closed drinking water sources for the past two years. Our intent was to reduce the potential transmission of the virus in high-touch areas and reduce the frequency of group gatherings.  During this time, the district provided recyclable water bottles to students and staff. 

New Brunswick Public Schools has completed this year's comprehensive testing of water sources and has re-opened water fountains throughout the district, effective Tuesday, September 6, 2022. 

All drinking water sources have been tested for contaminants. This year, we tested 297 locations, including water fountains, kitchen/food prep equipment, ice machines, and sinks in nurses' offices and break rooms. Of these 297 tested locations, 12 were above the acceptable limit of 15 parts per billion (ppb). As a result, these locations will remain offline until they can be remediated and retested.

For the list of the  12 water sources that tested above the acceptable limit, click here. For the full testing report, click here.

We will continue the annual testing of our water sources, although state regulations require testing only once every three years.  This added level of attention on our district’s part highlights our commitment to the health of our students and everyone else who consumes water in our schools.

As a reminder, children are far more likely to come in contact with lead at home than at their school.  If you have concerns, I recommend you discuss the risks of lead poisoning with your healthcare provider. 

Thank you,

Dr. Aubrey A. Johnson

Superintendent of Schools   

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