Free water lead testing in schools, child care centers available

    Free water lead testing is available to all public, parochial and private schools, along with all childcare facilities that are licensed, within the SW Public Health District’s nine counties of Chase, Dundy, Frontier, Furnas, Hayes, Hitchcock, Keith, Perkins and Red Willow.
     “Identifying sources of lead exposure is crucial for preventing childhood lead poisoning,” explains Myra Stoney, Health Director at SWNPHD.

     Childhood exposure to lead is associated with hearing and speech impairments, learning disabilities, behavior disorders, slowed growth and development and damage to the nervous system. Children 6 years and younger are the most vulnerable to the effects of lead exposure, she said.
    Testing is strongly recommended for facilities that:
    Serve children 6 years old and younger.
    Are public preschools, elementary schools and childcare facilities in underserved and low-income communities.
    Were built before 1988.
     Funding for lead testing comes from the Environmental Protection Agency’s Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation Act grants. The test kits are mailed to schools and childcare facilities to take a water sample. The kits have prepaid postage so they can be sent into the laboratory at no cost.
     Positive test results are used to identify fixtures, faucets or fountains that have lead in the water.  
    “It only takes about 15 minutes and can give parents and teachers peace of mind that they are protecting their young children from lead poisoning,” Stoney said
     Schools and licensed childcare centers that wish to sample their drinking water can contact SWNPHD at 308-345-4223 or info@swhealth.ne.gov to request a test kit and instructions.