Lead in Drinking Water in Child Care Settings

Lead is a toxic metal commonly found in air, soil, dust, food, drinking water, and in products such as lead based paint. There is no safe level for lead in the body. Reducing levels of lead in drinking water is an important part of reducing the overall exposure to lead.

As a provider of child care services for Minnesota’s children, you value their healthy development. Awareness of environmental concerns and actions that you can take to reduce adverse effects can help make a quality child care experience. This information sheet provides general information about reducing lead in drinking water.

• MDH recommends that all child care providers test for lead in drinking water. Child Care Centers are required to test following MN Statute 145.9273. 
• Requirements for child care centers can be found in Chapter 70, Article 4, Sec. 62. [145.9273] Testing for Lead in Drinking Water in Child Care Settings.
• Use the Model Plan to test all taps used for drinking and food preparation.
• Take action to minimize exposure to lead and maintain your drinking water quality after water has been still (overnight/weekend/holiday or other closures).
• Take action to reduce lead exposure whenever a test reveals the presence of lead.

Learn more at Lead in Drinking Water in Child Care Settings (PDF).

Toolkit

This toolkit provides resources for child care providers to communicate about lead in drinking water test results with the families they serve.

• Education and Communication Toolkit: Reducing Lead in Drinking Water in Child Care Settings (PDF)

Water Infrastructure Improvements

Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation (WIIN) Grant can be found at Minnesota Lead Testing in Schools and Child Cares in Drinking Water.

Other resource

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

• Ensuring Drinking Water Quality in Child Care Facilities During and After Extended Closures (PDF)