Applications and program updates will be available on our lead in schools website.
Questions? Please email us at cdphe_wqcd_lead_grant@state.co.us
In January of this year (2022) the Water Quality Control Division (Division) launched the lead testing in schools and child care facilities drinking water program. This is an EPA-funded program administered by the Division and is an important opportunity to take action now and target lead testing for our most vulnerable populations. Infants and young children are most at risk, but many schools and child care facilities have not been tested for lead in their drinking water. While this is a voluntary program, we encourage public health officials to apply now and take advantage of this opportunity to partner with the Division and enhance community, parent, and teacher trust in their drinking water.
We will be accepting applications from local public health agencies, or other county agencies to participate in the program. The ideal funding strategy is to work with our local public health and county partners to implement this program. However, if local public health and county agencies are unable to implement the program in their jurisdiction, the Division may fund public water systems to assist in these community efforts.
The program involves a holistic approach per the EPA’s 3Ts guidance beginning with outreach and education in the first phase that leads into sampling, testing, and taking action in the second phase. We will provide grant recipients outreach materials, including school and child care facility information, in addition to training and detailed instructions for developing sampling plans at each participating facility. This funding currently does not cover remediation efforts; however, low-cost immediate action is possible if elevated lead levels are found as described in our sampling guidance. These actions include shutting off the source, fixture replacement, cleaning the faucet aerator/ screen, routine monitoring, and performing common practices to reduce lead levels in drinking water:
Common Practices to Reduce Lead in Drinking Water:
- Let your water run before drinking.
- If it has not been used for several hours, run the cold water tap until the temperature is noticeably colder. Sometimes it can take two minutes or longer. This flushes lead-containing water from the pipes.
- Always use cold water for drinking and cooking.
- Never cook or drink water with water from the hot water tap. Hot water can be more corrosive and lead from plumbing can get into the water. Boiling does not remove lead from the water.
- Periodically remove and clean the faucet’s strainer/aerator.
- While removed, run water to remove debris.
- Consider using a water filter certified to remove lead and know when it’s time to replace.
- Verify the claims of manufacturers by checking to make sure that filters are listed as NSF International standard 42 and 53. Look for certified drinking water treatment units by searching for lead in drinking water at www.nsf.org.
Community public water systems are encouraged to engage with their local public health agency and local government to raise awareness of this grant and lead testing program. This is a great opportunity for community public water systems to proactively identify the schools and child care facilities they serve and familiarize themselves with the sampling process and lead service line inventory that will be required per the Lead and Copper Rule Revisions.
The current program has two required phases. The first phase provides up to $5,000 to help with community outreach. The second phase provides up to $25,000 to sample for lead in drinking water at participating schools and child care facilities. The cost of laboratory testing for lead will be funded through this grant in addition to the $30,000 available to eligible applicants.
➽ Laura Leonard PhD, Lead Testing Program Coordinator
