Preventing Lead in Your School's Drinking Water
According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), lead is a toxic material known to be harmful to human health if ingested or inhaled. Due to the nature of school operations, faucets, fixtures, and water fountains are typically not used during weekends, summer breaks, and holidays. During this time of inactivity, lead may build up in the drinking water as the stagnant tap water can corrode plumbing materials which may contain lead; when the tap is turned on again children could potentially be exposed to lead in their drinking water.
Children are considered high risk to the adverse effects associated with lead exposure; these effects could include damage to cognitive and nervous system functioning, learning and behavior issues, slowed growth development and more. A few simple actions can be implemented to greatly reduce the risk of lead exposure in our schools. Learn more on this website through our videos, factsheets, and request education material.
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Request a SC-DHEC Lead Test for Your School or Childcare Center
The SC-Department of Health and Environmental Control (SC-DHEC) has received funding from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to implement lead testing in drinking water for school and early childcare facilities. Enroll your school in a voluntary program by completing the Lead Testing Facility Survey. After you complete this survey, SC-DHEC will contact you to schedule a virtual visit to determine where water should be sampled at your early childcare center or school. To learn more about this program visit Lead Testing in Schools and Child Care Programs.
- Strategies for Lead Prevention in Schools
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Factsheets on Lead Prevention
Our library of factsheets provides information in greater detail on methods to reduce lead exposure in school drinking water. Please download and distribute these factsheets as is helpful to you and your community.
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Request Educational Materials for Your School
To request educational materials for your school, please email Clemson Extension Water Resource Team members Susan Lunt slunt@clemson.edu or Tancey Belken tanceyc@clemson.edu.
Free, educational materials available include decals to prompt maintenance activity, maintenance log, promotional materials and a one-minute timer to assist in flushing Mondays. Materials available upon request and while supplies last.
