EPA Invests $26 Million to Reduce Lead in Drinking Water at Schools and Child Care Centers
Discover how the EPA is empowering schools and childcare facilities to test, identify, and remediate lead contamination—protecting children’s health nationwide.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced a new $26 million grant program to help states and territories reduce lead in drinking water at schools and child care facilities.
This funding is part of the Voluntary School and Child Care Lead Testing and Reduction Grant Program, which supports local efforts to test for lead, identify contamination risks, and take corrective action where necessary—especially in facilities serving young children.
Background: Over $200 Million Already Invested in Safer Water
This $26 million allocation, announced in June 2025, will be distributed among all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and U.S. territories. It reflects a broader federal strategy to ensure safe water in educational environments—especially where children are most vulnerable.
Since the program’s launch in 2018, the EPA has invested more than $200 million in efforts to reduce lead exposure in schools and child care centers. This long-term investment underscores a growing national and global concern: removing lead from environments where children spend the majority of their day.
The program is supported by the Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation (WIIN) Act, and further expanded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which provides funding not only for lead testing but also for remediation and replacement.
Why This Matters: The Public Health Risk of Lead
According to UNICEF, approximately 815 million children worldwide have elevated blood lead levels—highlighting a major public health challenge. Lead is a powerful neurotoxin with no safe level of exposure for children. Even minimal amounts can:
- Impair brain development
- Affect memory, learning, and behavior
- Increase risks to cardiovascular and kidney health over time
That’s why removing lead from drinking water in schools and childcare facilities is a top public health priority. In the EPA’s own words, the goal is to ensure that “children across our nation can focus on learning, playing, and developing the skills they need to reach their full potential.”
What Has Already Been Achieved
Past efforts have shown promising results across the country:
- Texas: 97% of schools and child care centers in the state plan have undergone lead sampling, identifying and addressing key contamination points.
- Colorado: The Test and Fix Water for Kids program protected nearly 600,000 children by testing thousands of water outlets and replacing faulty fixtures.
- New Hampshire: Over 360 schools replaced fountains and plumbing systems with elevated lead levels, and 80 child care centers completed remediation using federal funds.
How the EPA’s Program Works
The Voluntary School and Child Care Lead Testing and Reduction Grant Program operates on a non-competitive basis, meaning that every state, territory, and the District of Columbia can access these federal funds.
The initiative follows the EPA’s 3Ts for Reducing Lead in Drinking Water framework:
- Training – Equip school staff and water professionals with proper training to ensure reliable sampling and remediation techniques.
- Testing – Collect water samples from fountains, kitchen taps, and sinks to detect lead presence.
- Taking Action – Implement corrective measures such as replacing plumbing, fixtures, or installing certified filters.
- Transparency – Communicate openly with parents, staff, and the public about results and next steps.
What’s Next: A Lead-Free Future for Our Schools
With these new grants, states and territories will be able to expand their local testing and remediation efforts—resulting in:
- More water sampling in schools
- More replacement of outdated infrastructure
- More children protected from lifelong health risks
The long-term goal is clear: eliminate lead exposure in educational settings and move toward a lead-free generation—one school, one child care facility at a time.