Schools and Child Care Facilities

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Lead and Copper Rule Improvements require water utilities to test for lead at the tap in schools and child care facilities.

Lead and Copper Rule Improvements https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-40/chapter-I/subchapter-D/part-141/subpart-I, § 141.92 Monitoring for lead in schools and child care facilities, requires utilities to test 20% of primary schools and child care facilities every year for five years, starting November 1, 2027.

Lead is a toxic metal, and there is no safe level of exposure. You cannot see, smell, or taste lead, so the only way to identify and get lead out is to test. Childhood exposure to lead can cause irreversible cognitive deficits and problems with learning and behavior. Lead poisoning is preventable by eliminating exposure to lead hazards.

High levels of copper can cause a metallic taste in water and blue-green staining. Short-term exposure can lead to gastrointestinal distress, and long-term exposure can result in liver or kidney damage.

Schools are required to collect five samples from the following taps:

• Two drinking water fountains
• One kitchen faucet used for drinking or cooking
• One classroom faucet or other outlet used to provide water for human consumption
• One nurse's office faucet, as available

Child care facilities are required to collect two samples from the following taps:

• One drinking water fountain
• One kitchen faucet used for drinking or cooking, classroom faucet, or other outlet used to provide water for consumption