Michael S. Regan 16th Administrator, United States Environmental Protection Agency | Official Website
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced $26 million in funding, including $336,000 allocated for Rhode Island, to protect children from lead in drinking water at schools and childcare facilities. This grant is part of the Biden-Harris Administration's Lead Pipe and Paint Action Plan aimed at reducing lead exposure where children learn and play.
"Every person, every child, deserves safe and clean drinking water. As students, staff, and teachers start returning to classrooms across New England, no one should have to worry whether the water their loved one drinks at school or daycare is safe," said EPA Regional Administrator David W. Cash. "This funding for testing water taps at schools and childcare facilities will help ensure that every child in Rhode Island can learn and grow in an environment free from the dangers of lead exposure."
U.S. Senator Jack Reed emphasized the importance of this initiative by stating: "We must ensure every child has a safe and healthy environment to learn and grow. When kids drink from the water fountain at school or in daycare they deserve clean, healthy water that passes every test."
Senator Sheldon Whitehouse highlighted his long-term commitment to addressing lead contamination: "Exposure to even the smallest traces of lead can have serious lifelong health effects for children. That's why upgrading Rhode Island's water infrastructure and replacing old water pipes and service lines has been a high priority of mine since my days as Rhode Island Attorney General."
Representative Seth Magaziner noted the broader impact on community health: "Every Rhode Islander should have clean water when they turn on the tap." Representative Gabe Amo added: "Ensuring lead-free water at our schools and childcare centers is critical to keeping our kids healthy."
Lead exposure poses significant risks; it can harm mental and physical development in children, cause increased blood pressure, heart disease, decreased kidney function, and cancer in adults.
The funding was authorized by the Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation Act (WIIN Act) with grants provided to 55 states, including territories like Washington D.C., for testing and remediation efforts in educational settings. Since 2019, over $150 million has been distributed under this program.
Recipients are required to use EPA’s 3Ts – Training, Testing, Taking Action – program which offers resources for states and territories aiming to reduce lead levels in drinking water.
The EPA also promotes its Get the Lead Out (GLO) initiative focused on underserved communities needing technical assistance to identify and replace lead service lines.
The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law dedicated $15 billion towards removing lead from drinking water as part of an effort encompassing federal, state, local governments' initiatives aimed at delivering clean drinking water especially where children spend significant time such as schools.
