The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) awarded a $599,000 Project Grant under the Voluntary School and Child Care Lead Testing and Reduction Grant Program (CFDA 66.444) to the Utah Department of Environmental Quality (UDEQ) to implement a program of voluntary lead testing in drinking water at local schools and child care centers across the state. The key products and services to be delivered include:
- Communicating test results and lead information to the public, parents, teachers, and community stakeholders.
- Providing training on the risks of lead in drinking water and developing partnerships to support the program.
- Conducting lead testing at drinking water outlets using appropriate protocols and a certified laboratory.
- Developing a response plan to address any elevated lead levels detected, including reimbursing schools/centers up to $300 per tap or $1,500 per drinking fountain for new plumbing or point-of-use filters certified to remove lead.
The award prioritizes testing and remediation in underserved, low-income communities and facilities that primarily serve children 6 years and under or are more likely to have lead plumbing. The project aims to reduce children's exposure to lead in drinking water and improve community knowledge on lead hazards. The performance period runs from October 1, 2024 to December 31, 2025.
Generated 2/25/25, 4:36 AM