The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency recently released an updated version of its 3Ts for Reducing Lead in Drinking Water in Schools and Child Care Facilities toolkit. This toolkit is for meant for schools and child care facilities looking to introduce voluntary programs testing for lead in drinking water. It is also meant for states and water utilities looking to help schools and child care facilities introducing these programs.

Lead poisoning can cause damaging problems, physically and behaviorally, especially for children. You and your family can be potentially exposed to lead through lead paint, lead-contaminated soil and dust, and lead in tap water.

The updated 3Ts comes as the EPA recently announced a new grant, authorized under the Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation Act, that will support the testing of lead in drinking water in schools and child care facilities. It will include a total of $20 million in funding. 

There are steps parents and schools can take to further protect children against lead. Testing your water for lead, flushing your water before use and using a home treatment device (if desired) can be considered to prevent lead exposure through drinking water. More can be found on DrinkTap’s Lead In Water page.