Lead in Schools Program
Supporting Safe Water in Florida's Schools
Supporting Safe Water in Florida's Schools
The Lead in Schools Program is funded by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) 2107 Grant and conducted in partnership with The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) and the Florida Rural Water Association (FRWA). The program helps school districts identify potential lead in drinking water outlets, at no-cost to the participating school districts. If lead is detected, the program also provides remediation support and resampling to help ensure affected outlets are properly addressed.
Supporting Utilities and School Districts
Utilities will be responsible for testing elementary schools and childcare facilities during the first five years following November 1, 2027.
By participating in the Florida Rural Water Association (FRWA) Lead in Schools Program, utilities can have the required testing conducted through FRWA, relieving the utility of having to conduct the testing themselves during this timeframe.
Minimum Sample Requirements
Schools (5 samples) Childcares (2 samples)
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2 drinking water fountains |
1 primary drinking water fountain |
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1 kitchen faucet |
1 kitchen or classroom faucet |
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1 classroom faucet |
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1 nurse’s office faucet |
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Lead in Schools Testing Process
1. School Board Agreement-School District sends email to Erica Manz at erica@frwa.net confirming their agreement to participate In the lead testing program.
2) School Selection- The school board sends the FISH maps of the schools they would like to have sampled.
3) Sampling Coordination & Process Review-Once a sampler and laboratory are in place, a Zoom meeting will be conducted with all parties to review the sampling process, procedures, and responsibilities.
4) Results and Reporting-Once testing is completed, only the highest results will be uploaded to the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) website where current school district and childcare results can be found:
EPA Fact Sheet for the most recent Lead and Copper Rule Improvements Technical Fact Sheet for Lead in Schools and Childcare Facilities; requirements beginning November 1, 2027:https://www.epa.gov/system/files/documents/2024-10/final_lcri_fact-sheet_schools-and-child-care.pdf
What is EPA’s “3Ts” guidance, and why is it important?
https://www.epa.gov/ground-water-and-drinking-water/3ts-reducing-lead-drinking-water
For more information please contact Erica Manz
erica@frwa.net
(850) 668-2746
