School districts in Butler County that have experienced problems with lead in water are testing water annually, something an environmental advocacy organization says all districts in the state should do.

PennEnvironment said it compared Pennsylvania's response to lead in school drinking water to 31 other states and gave the Keystone State an F grade.

In a report issued this week, the organization said more than 70 state legislators have signed on as co-sponsors of House Bill 930 that would require annual testing of water outlets used for drinking and cooking, disclosing test results to parents and lowering the statewide standard for lead in school water to 5 parts per billion from the current standard of 15 parts per billion.

The American Association of Pediatrics says the current standard is too high, according to PennEnvironment, which has offices in Pittsburgh and Philadelphia.

Current state law encourages, but doesn't require annual testing. School districts can avoid testing by explaining their reasons for not testing at a public meeting, PennEnvironment said.

The organization said state law does not require districts to provide test results to parents.

The Butler School District has had issues with lead in water dating to 2016.

Lead found in the water at Summit Elementary resulted in a lawsuit against the district and criminal charges against the former maintenance director, who resigned along with the former superintendent and assistant superintendent.

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