Michael S. Regan 16th Administrator, United States Environmental Protection Agency | Official Website
On August 22, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced a $26 million grant to protect children from lead in drinking water at schools and childcare facilities. This funding, distributed across 55 states, territories, and the District of Columbia (D.C.), aims to reduce lead exposure where children learn and play, advancing the Biden-Harris Administration's Lead Pipe and Paint Action Plan.
"Science is clear. There is no safe level of lead exposure," said Bruno Pigott, Deputy Assistant Administrator for Water. "As part of the Biden-Harris Administration's Investing in America agenda, this $26 million will help protect American children from harmful lead effects. Additionally, under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL), EPA is investing $15 million to remove lead pipes and providing technical support to communities developing and implementing lead pipe replacement projects."
Lead can severely impede children's mental and physical development, slow learning abilities, and cause significant brain damage. In adults, it can increase blood pressure, cause heart disease, impair kidney function, and potentially lead to cancer.
The announced funds are authorized under the Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation Act (WIIN Act) and will be provided as grants for testing and improving drinking water at schools and childcare facilities in states, D.C., and participating territories. Since 2019, these grants have allocated over $150 million nationwide to identify and eliminate sources of lead in school and childcare facility drinking water.
Recipients of these grants must use the 3Ts program—Training, Testing, Taking Action—to reduce lead in drinking water. The 3Ts program offers valuable resources for state agencies, localities, and groups involved in early care and education environments to address lead issues proactively.
Additionally, EPA is advancing its Get the Lead Out (GLO) initiative by partnering with underserved communities nationwide. GLO provides necessary technical support for identifying lead service lines and developing replacement plans. Communities interested in utilizing GLO resources can submit a request through EPA's WaterTA website.
Background
The Biden-Harris Administration's BIL has allocated an unprecedented $15 billion towards removing lead from drinking water systems. These funds enable federal, state, and local governments to provide clean drinking water by replacing lead pipes and correcting lead paint issues as outlined in the White House’s Lead Pipe & Paint Action Plan. Improving places where children spend significant time—such as schools, daycares, home-based childcare centers—is particularly crucial.
The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law builds on successful programs like WIIN Act’s grant program to extend benefits across communities throughout the United States.
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