The agreement provides assistance to the iowa department of education to implement a program of voluntary testing for lead in drinking water at local schools and child care centers

The EPA Region 7 has obligated $295,000 to the Iowa Department of Education under the Voluntary School and Child Care Lead Testing and Reduction Grant Program (CFDA 66.444) to implement a voluntary lead testing and remediation program in drinking water at Iowa public schools and child care facilities. The award period extends from October 1, 2025, through September 30, 2028, and supports the state's execution of the EPA's 3Ts guidance framework (Communicate, Train, Test, Take Action). Primary deliverables include voluntary lead testing at approximately 10% of eligible facilities, prioritization of testing efforts targeting vulnerable populations including facilities serving younger children and those in low-income areas, staff and community training on lead exposure health effects, and development of state and local lead remediation plans.

The program provides technical assistance through the Iowa Department of Natural Resources and supports facility remediation needs when lead concentrations exceed Iowa's action level or the federal standard (40 CFR 141). Subrecipient activities focus on reimbursement for removal and replacement of point-of-use water devices and fixtures with confirmed lead contamination at participating public schools and child care centers. Expected outcomes include reduced lead exposure in drinking water at participating facilities through comprehensive testing, education, and remediation activities prioritized to protect the most vulnerable child populations.

Specifically, the state will reduce lead exposure, identify potential lead sources and take action by utilizing prioritization criteria in line with the agency's 3 T's implementation document which includes information obtained from participating facilities such as age of child, socioeconomic status, and facility age. Activities:the activities include state program implementation and action in the form of testing and targeting 10% of public schools and child care facilities, training and education regarding lead and health effects of lead exposure, and support REMEDIATION needs at participating public schools and child care centers with sample results above the state of iowa's action level or as identified in federal code (40 CFR 141). Additionally, the state of iowa will assist in reimbursement of lead REMEDIATION expenses triggered by any lead action level exceedance results with a priority given to those facilities serving younger children. The state will provide technical assistance with these efforts as a contracted expertise through iowa department of natural resources. Subrecipient:reimbursement activities related to the removal and replacement of point of use devices with a positive result for lead within local education agencies and child care facilities. Outcomes:the anticipated deliverables include implementation of voluntary lead testing in drinking water at eligible schools and childcare facilities, prioritization of testing to target vulnerable communities and populations and the development of state and local REMEDIATION plans as necessary to protect children from lead exposure. The expected outcomes include a reduction in exposure to lead in drinking water in public schools and child care centers through training, testing and taking action (REMEDIATION). The intended beneficiaries include residents within the state of iowa.