Minnesota Lead Testing in Schools and Child Care in Drinking Water

Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation (WIIN) Grant

In 2019, MDH received a federal Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation (WIIN) grant from the Environmental Protection Agency  to develop a voluntary lead in drinking water testing program for eligible schools, child care, and Head Start programs. This program is designed to provide sample kits and laboratory analysis for lead in drinking water. MDH also provides technical assistance to interpret results and provide education about the results to their communities. MDH is not able to provide funds for remediation activities through this grant.

Download Flyers: Test for Lead in Drinking Water

Who is eligible to apply:

• Head Start Programs.
• Licensed Child Care Programs (both public and private).
• Local Education Agency such as public or charter schools.
  • a Local Education Agency (as defined in section 8101 of Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 [20 U.S.C. 7801])

MDH may prioritize sampling at those facilities to target the most at risk such as:

• Schools and child care programs in underserved and/or low-income communities (e.g., schools with at least 50% of the children receiving free and reduced lunch and Head Start facilities);
• Facilities that primarily care for children 6 and under; and
• Older facilities that are more likely to contain lead plumbing; built before 1986.

Participants must:

1. Complete the application form.
   Apply for enrollment by completing Minnesota Lead in Schools and Child Cares Testing Program Application form.
2. After the application for enrollment, the facility staff responsible for conducting the sample must attend a virtual training session before sample kits are sent to the facility.
3. Complete sampling following the EPA: 3Ts for Reducing Lead in Drinking Water Toolkit or the MDH Model Plan for reducing lead.
4. Notify parent, teacher, and employee organizations of the availability of the results.

Other resources

WIIN Grant: Lead Testing in School and Child Care Program Drinking Water | EPA

Lead in Drinking Water
in Early Care and Education Settings (PDF)