FY23 A.I. Expanded Assistance Program for Lead in School and Early Education and Care Facility Drinking Water

Addressing lead in drinking water in schools and childcare facilities continues to be a priority for MassDEP. Since 2016, we have operated a free comprehensive testing program that has tested over 1,000 schools, and more recently provided opportunities for schools to receive free water bottle filling stations.  Starting next year under new federal regulations, public water systems will be required to contact schools about the dangers of lead and to offer testing. In this session, you will learn about our assistance program, additional available resources, and the upcoming changes.

Members of the Massachuses Department of Environmental Protecon (MassDEP) Drinking Water Program will provide a presentaon describing the MassDEP Expanded Assistance Program for Lead in School and Early Educaon and Care Facility Drinking Water. The program offers eligible Massachuses
public and private schools and childcare facilies the opportunity for free analysis of lead drinking water samples and assistance with sampling, results interpretation, and guidance on follow up actions if lead is detected in the drinking water. The presentation will provide an overview of the following components of MassDEP’s program:

• What is lead, how does it get into drinking water, and what are potential lead health effects
• Program actions to date
• Program benefits, eligibility, and how to apply
• Program stages and what to expect if your school participates
• Remediation options if lead is detected and methods to reduce lead exposure in schools including eligibility for grants to purchase and install filtered water bottle filling stations
• Looking ahead: Upcoming federal regulations relating to public water suppliers and offering testing for lead in school drinking water

1. inform school financial and operational officials about this unique opportunity for free lead in drinking water testing,
2. educate attendees about the importance of safe drinking water in our schools, and
3. 3) provide tools to reduce lead exposure through school drinking water