WSU Environmental Finance Center is working with federally recognized tribes in EPA Region 7 to offer voluntary lead testing of drinking water at schools, childcare facilities and community buildings where tribal youth attend. The testing is free for any facility interested. If unacceptable levels of lead are identified, facilities have an opportunity to lower lead levels using EPA guidance.
EPA and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) agree that there is no known safe level of lead in a child's blood. Exposure to lead is a significant health concern for everyone, however, young children, infants and pregnant women are particularly susceptible.
The Safe Drinking Water Act requires drinking water utilities to sample and test water to ensure that water is considered "lead-free" before it is delivered to homes, schools and businesses. However, lead can enter drinking water when a home or building's plumbing materials that contain lead corrode, especially where the water has high acidity or low mineral content that corrodes pipes and fixtures.
EPA has developed extensive guidance on lead in drinking water, including recommendations on how to implement a testing program for your school or childcare facility. The guidance is called the “3Ts for Reducing Lead in the Drinking Water in Schools and Child Care Facilities.” The guide includes potential funding sources for lead remediation and water quality-related projects.
Drinking water can serve as a neat learning opportunity for students and teachers. Check out EPA's Drinking Water Activities for Students and Teachers for water lesson plans for grades K-12.
Contact: Brian Bohnsack, Program Manager, Wichita State University Environmental Finance Center, brian.bohnsack@wichita.edu, (316) 978-6421.
This project has been funded wholly or in part by the United States Environmental Protection Agency under assistance agreement AI97756601 to Wichita State University Environmental Finance Center. The contents of this document do not necessarily reflect the views and policies of the Environmental Protection Agency, nor does the EPA endorse trade names or recommend the use of commercial products mentioned in this document.