New Jersey Passes Landmark Law to Install Water Filters in Public Schools
…New “Filter First” Policy to Protect Children from Lead Exposure and Cut Plastic Pollution
In a major victory for children’s health and environmental protection, New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy has signed into law a groundbreaking bill to establish a statewide grant program for the installation of water filters in public schools.
The bill, which passed unanimously in the state legislature on June 30, 2025, prioritizes schools with elevated lead levels and aims to ensure safe, clean drinking water without the need for single-use plastic bottles.
The initiative, known as the “Filter First” policy, will be administered by the New Jersey Department of Education. It is expected to be funded by the 2026 state budget, which allocates $2 million to support the purchase and installation of point-of-use filtered water bottle-filling stations and filtered faucets in schools.
This law is a significant milestone for the Filtered Not Bottled campaign, spearheaded by Plastic Pollution Coalition in collaboration with the Jersey Water Works Lead in Drinking Water Advisory Committee and a broad network of community advocates.
The campaign has long pushed for equitable access to clean drinking water in schools, free from lead contamination and plastic waste.
“Filters in schools mean safer water for children and a reduction in harmful plastic waste,” said a spokesperson from Plastic Pollution Coalition. “This new law is a win-win for public health and the planet.”
In many communities where school water has been deemed unsafe, families have been forced to send children to school with single-use plastic bottled water.
This not only creates financial strain but also exposes children to microplastics and toxic chemicals, including endocrine-disrupting compounds.
The new law addresses both concerns by offering a sustainable, health-focused solution.
While this legislation marks a significant step forward, advocates stress the need for continued action to protect children at home.
New Jersey still has more than 500,000 lead service lines delivering water to residential taps. Although a 2021 law requires their replacement by 2031, public health groups argue that six years is too long for families to wait—especially as utilities can apply for extensions.
Another related bill, also awaiting the governor’s signature, would require landlords to notify tenants of lead water risks and prohibit interference with lead service line replacement.
Advocates say this measure is critical to ensuring renters can take steps to protect their families—such as requesting filtration—while waiting for full pipe replacements.
Plastic Pollution Coalition and its partners commend New Jersey’s leadership and urge other states to adopt similar protections. The coalition emphasizes that access to clean, safe drinking water should not depend on zip code or socioeconomic status.
