With the high toxicity of lead to children, it is important for schools to find and remove any lead from their buildings.
This means checking paint in buildings or parts of buildings built before 1978 and removing lead-bearing parts from schools’ drinking water systems and service lines. Because this work will take time, schools can install filters certified to remove lead at every tap used for drinking or cooking and begin regular testing of all water outlets to ensure that the remediation steps being taken are effective. Visits the sites below for guidance for schools who want to evaluate their buildings and remedy any hazards found.
Free lead testing for water at public schools and child care facilities in Indiana!
Lead can get into drinking water as it passes through lead pipes or plumbing fixtures. If it’s found, the fix is often as simple as replacing the faucet.
Rep. Jackson authored House Bill 1265 in 2020. In March 30, 2020, a bill was passed requiring testing of drinking water in schools. Authored by Rep. Carolyn Jackson, the bill mandates testing for lead in school water sources, and provides that if a test of the drinking water of a school building indicates the presence of lead in the water equal to or greater than 15 parts per billion, action must be taken to reduce the lead levels in the drinking water to less than 15 parts per billion.
The Indiana Finance Authority has a grant to provide free testing for child care facilities and public schools, and free advice for those that test positive. Encourage your local school or child care to learn more about the Lead Sampling Program and complete the Lead Sampling Program for Schools and Child Care Facilities Application.
Download the Indiana Finance Authority Lead Sampling Program for Schools and Child Care Facilities fact sheet.