LEAD SAMPLING PROGRAM
The West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources (“WVDHHR”), with assistance from 120Water, has developed the Lead Sampling Program for Schools and Child Care Facilities (“Lead Sampling Program”) to help schools and child care facilities assess if there is a presence of lead in drinking water within their buildings.
This program is funded in part by the U.S. EPA's Lead Testing in School and Child Care Program Drinking Water Grant authorized under the Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation Act.
You can find the list of enrolled schools and child care facilities here. This list is updated quarterly.
Updates:
The WVDHHR will be continuously accepting applications for the Phase II of the Lead Sampling Program.
Prior to submitting an application, please review the WVDHHR Lead Sampling Program steps for Participants, to understand expectations.
Application: Use this link to apply
or
Scan this QR Code
FAQs:
Why is sampling for lead in drinking water a priority?
Recent events have increased the visibility of the risks young children face when exposed to elevated levels of lead. Drinking water is one pathway through which children can be exposed to lead. By participating in this program, schools and child care facilities join West Virginia in continuing to advance safe and healthy environments for our State’s youngest children.
Who is eligible to apply?
All West Virginia public K-12 schools recognized by the West Virginia Department of Education and all child care facilities recognized by the West Virginia Family and Social Services Administration are eligible to apply for the program.
What does the program provide?
The Lead Sampling Program covers the cost of sampling bottles, postage to send the bottles to the facilities and to the laboratory once collected, sample analysis cost, and remediation actions of fixtures with exceedances, if applicable. Schools and child care facilities are responsible for creating a sample plan and collecting samples. The WVDHHR will provide sample collection training, as well as remediation guidance specific to each facility’s results.
What reporting requirements will be required?
Participants must make the sampling results available to the public by maintaining a copy of results in their offices or by posting the results online.
Program Resources
WVDHHR Resources
- WVDHHR Phase II Lead Sampling Program Fact Sheet
- WVDHHR Phase II Lead Sampling Program and Steps
- WVDHHR Pipe Identification Guidance
- WVDHHR Lead Sampling Program Media Discussion Points
- WVDHHR Lead Sampling Program Template to Parents Letter
- WVDHHR Lead in Drinking Water
- WVDHHR School Lead Sampling Attached to Community Public Water System
- Follow-up Steps for Schools with Lead and/ or Copper Sampling Results above the Action Level
- WVDHHR's Lead Sampling Video
- WVDHHR Database of Water Sampling Results for Public Water System
- WVDHHR Lead in Drinking Water – Information for Consumers
- https://westvirginia.120wateraudit.com/
EPA Resources
- Ensuring Drinking Water Quality in Schools During and After Extended Closures, EPA March 2021
- Ensuring Drinking Water Quality in Child Care Facilities During and After Extended Closures, EPA March 2021
- EPA 3T's for Reducing Lead in Drinking Water in Schools
- 3 Pasos Clave para Reducir el Nivel de Plomo en el Agua Potable en Escuelas
- EPA Potential Funding Sources for Reducing Lead Oct 2019
- EPA Lead Free Certification Guide
Contacts
Meredith Vance
Project Sponsor, Water Resources and Infrastructure Planning Program
304-352-5046; meredith.j.vance@wv.gov
Dan Mace
Project Manager, Water Resources and Infrastructure Planning Program
304-352-5023; dan.j.mace@wv.gov
Kimberly Bayne
Billing Contact/Project Support 304-352-5061; kimberly.a.bayne@wv.gov
Dawn Slekis
Project Support 304-352-5018; dawn.w.slekis@wv.gov
Program Mailing Address:
350 Capitol Street, Room 313
Charleston, WV 25301
Fax: 304-558-0139