DEP Launches Federally-Funded, No-Cost Drinking Water Lead Sampling, Grant Program For Schools, Childcare Facilities

On March 25, the Department of Environmental Protection launched  a no-cost Voluntary School and Child Care Lead Testing & Reduction Grant Program facilities across the Commonwealth to eliminate lead in drinking water and reduce childhood lead exposure.

Testing water in schools is important because children spend a significant portion of their days in these facilities. 

The longer water remains in contact with lead plumbing, the more opportunity exists for lead to leach into water. 

As a result, facilities with on again/off again water use, such as schools, may have elevated lead concentrations in their water. 

Testing the water at each facility is the only sure way to find out if the water contains too much lead.

The Department of Environmental Protection received federal funding for the Voluntary School and Child Care Lead Testing and Reduction Grant Program through the EPA’s Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation (WIIN) Program. 

“We know the health risks associated with childhood lead exposure, which is why we’re committed to seeing it eliminated whenever possible. The WIIN program is a win/win for Pennsylvania’s children because it helps find where the problems are and helps eliminate them,” said DEP Acting Secretary Jessica Shirley. “Ensuring every Pennsylvanian has access to clean drinking water is a core part of DEP’s mission. By continuing to take action to get lead out of our drinking water, this grant program will promote a healthier, safer Commonwealth.”

Eligible schools and childcare facilities can apply to test and/or remediate lead in their drinking water. 

Eligible lead reduction activities may include purchasing and installing hydration stations, point-of-use (POU) devices designed to remove lead, and replacement of faucets. 

DEP has contracted with Terraphase Engineering to perform the lead testing.

To qualify, applicants must have drinking water sample results demonstrating an exceedance of the EPA’s remediation trigger level (5 parts per billion) within 36 months of the date of their application. 

Recipients may be eligible for reimbursement up to $3,000 per installed hydration station.

Interested applicants can visit the Lead Testing Program webpage to determine eligibility.

Applications must be submitted online through the Commonwealth's Electronic Application: Grant Details | Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. 

Enrollment is currently open and will remain so until the $4.4 million in total funds are exhausted.

For more information, visit DEP’s Voluntary School and Child Care Lead Testing & Reduction Grant Program webpage.  Inquiries can also be sent to the Department’s Safe Drinking Water program at RA-EPWIINLEAD@pa.gov. 

Click Here for DEP’s announcement.

For more information on environmental programs in Pennsylvania, visit DEP’s website.  Submit Environmental Complaints; Click Here to sign up for DEP’s newsletter; sign up for DEP’s eNotice; Like DEP on Facebook, Follow DEP on Twitter and visit DEP’s YouTube Channel.

[Posted: March 25, 2025]  PA Environment Digest