School and Child Care – Lead Remediation Projects

Drinking water outlets that have an elevated sample result greater than the lead action level (10ppb), must be removed from service until permanent remediation is taken.

If the facility chose to sample water outlets that are not drinking water outlets and the non-drinking water outlet has a sample result greater than the lead action level, it is recommended to post a “Do Not Drink” sign on the water outlet until permanent remediation is taken.

The facility shall sample for lead after the replacement of any drinking water outlet or any other alteration to plumbing or service lines that may impact lead levels at the outlet.

Immediate Steps

• Shut off or disconnect the problem outlets. This will include turning off the outlet unless it is determined the location must remain on for non-drinking purposes. In these cases, a “DO NOT DRINK – USE FOR HANDWASHING ONLY” sign will be posted. [or “Handwash Only”, “Lab Use Only”, “Dishwash Only”]
• Share results with staff and parents

Short Term Options

• Install point-of-use filters at problem taps
• Flush taps before use
• Provide an alternate source of drinking water at problem location or within the vicinity of the elevated tap if needed (i.e., bottled water, bottled jug water stations, etc.)
• Clean Aerators

Long Term Options

• Replace problem outlet fixtures
• Replace or reconfigure premise piping
• Investigate service line materials
• Consider corrosion control methods
• Implement a school wide program to educate students and staff to drink only at certain locations. (i.e., teach them not to drink or fill bottles at bathroom sinks or other non-drinking water locations)

Yes, funding is available to retest any replaced fixture before putting it back in service.

Yes, the Virginia Office of Drinking Water has made funding available and is soliciting applications for projects that include the removal and/or replacement of lead-containing drinking water fixtures, fountains, outlets, and plumbing materials. These funds are awarded on a competitive basis and provided as 100% principal forgiveness (grant).

When schools determine they need plumbing improvements, they should also explore funding sources with their district and governing boards. Schools and childcare facilities may also benefit by talking to their water utility about the high lead levels and asking if steps are underway to improve water quality.

A permanent mitigation plan needs to be determined for sources with concentrations greater than 10 ppb, however there are general best practices that can be made to reduce lead exposure:

• Use only cold water
• Use only sources intended for consumption (avoid laboratory and bathroom sinks)
• Clean the faucet screen and aerators to remove particles that can build up
• Flush fixtures before use. This is not a guaranteed solution but can help move stagnant water through the plumbing system.

The School and Child Care Lead Testing and Reduction Program is made possible by the Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation Act (WIIN). The WIIN Act established the Lead Testing in School and Child Care Program Drinking Water grant in 2016 to award funding to states, territories, and Tribes to assist local and Tribal educational agencies in voluntary testing for lead contamination in drinking water at schools and child care facilities. The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law enacted in November 2021 changed the grant program to Voluntary School and Child Care Lead Testing and Reduction Grant Program and allowed grant funding for lead remediation in addition to testing.

WIIN funding is to be used exclusively for work that involves lead remediation at schools and child care facilities. If you have a project that involves both lead and non-lead work, you will need to complete additional applications for those activities.

Please note that projects will need to follow the same programmatic, State, and Federal requirements that are required for other Construction Projects, unless otherwise stated. Certain requirements may be deemed not applicable to WIIN projects, depending on the scope and setup of the project. These non-applicable items will be determined after all applications have been received and evaluated.

Yes! - One of the three categories under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) funding is specifically allotted for Lead Service Line (LSL) work. This pot of funding covers both LSL Replacement as well as LSL Inventory work. Approximately $45M specifically for BIL-LSL funding will be available each year, from FY 2022 through FY 2026. This BIL-LSL funding is intended to supplement LEAP funding. In general, LEAP funding is awarded as 100% principal forgiveness (grant), while BIL-LSL funding also has some grant funding available but may contain a loan portion. LEAP eligibility is slightly more flexible compared to BIL-LSL eligibility.

Funding is intended for systems with the most need and offered with 100% principal forgiveness. Each facility may apply for a maximum amount of up to $10,000 to include the removal and/or replacement of lead-containing drinking water fixtures, fountains, outlets, and plumbing materials.

Coming Soon!

The Virginia Department of Health, Office of Drinking Water (VDH-ODW) maintains primary enforcement responsibility (primacy) under the SDWA (Safe Drinking Water Act) and the federal SDWA regulations for the Commonwealth of Virginia. As the primacy agency, the VDH-ODW will be implementing the Lead and Copper Rule Revision (LCRR) requirements. Please check the VDH-ODW Lead and Copper Rule Revisions (LCRR) Guidance webpage for the latest information, including templates, training information, and FAQ documents.