Nebraska schools and childcare facilities may sample for lead in their drinking water through an expanded effort from the Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy.
So far, though, only two locations in Seward County have conducted the testing and had their results reported. They are Seward Elementary School and St. John Lutheran School.
Qualifying facilities include public, parochial and private schools from pre-K through high school, as well as public and in-home childcares.
These funds come from Environmental Protection Agency’s Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation Act grants.
Sample kits are mailed to facilities, and prepaid postage allows for the kits to be returned to the laboratory for free lead testing.
While all schools and childcare facilities are eligible to apply, the program focuses on populations that are most at-risk for lead exposure and prioritizes facilities that:
• serve children ages 6 and younger;
• are public preschools, elementary schools and childcare facilities in underserved and low-income communities; and
• were built before 1988.
Children ages 6 and younger are the most vulnerable to the effects of lead exposure, said Sue Dempsey, Drinking Water and Groundwater Division administrator for NDEE.
“We are fortunate to have this opportunity for schools and childcares to help minimize lead exposure,” she said. “Let’s work together to protect the most vulnerable in our communities.”
Childhood exposure to lead may be associated with hearing and speech impairments, learning disabilities, behavioral disorders, slowed growth and development, and adverse impacts to the developing nervous system.
Identifying sources of exposure is crucial since childhood lead poisoning is preventable. Not only is lead sampling free through this NDEE program, it is also easy to participate.
It only takes about 15 minutes and anyone can collect a sample — including a parent, a high school student or school nurse.
NDEE created a how-to video on taking a lead sample that can be accessed at youtu.be/f7x6UGc0q5Y.
The testing is to identify lead that may be present in faucets, not lead in water service lines.
NDEE will not require facilities to update their lead service lines. Facilities that find high levels of lead can prevent exposure by removing or replacing the faucet, or by placing a “do not use” sign over the sink or fountain.
The goal of the program is to prevent the use of faucets with high lead levels for drinking water or cooking.
Participating local health departments are working with NDEE to oversee and coordinate the program in their areas.
Any questions may be directed to these departments. They have educational material that facilities with elevated levels of lead can provide to parents, and they can work together with schools and childcare facilities to develop solutions.
Schools and facilities that wish to sample their drinking water should contact the Four Corners Health Department to request test kits.
View data for schools and centers that have had their water tested at bit.ly/46GigDK.
While there are no safe levels of lead in drinking water, the EPA has established an Action Level of 15 ppm (parts per million). No one should drink water that has tested at this level or higher.
It is recommended that faucets with lead levels at 10 ppm or above be replaced or not used for drinking or food prep.
