Why Test Drinking Water at Child Care Facilities?
While lead exposure has health implications for all people, the effects are especially concerning among infants and children under age six. We know that children spend a lot of time at child care facilities and likely drink tap water and eat food prepared with water in these homes or buildings. Testing water for lead in these buildings helps to identify potential lead sources and take appropriate action to protect the children.
Lead in Water Testing, Training, and Support
LeadCare Illinois provides child care providers with training about the dangers of lead, how to conduct lead testing, and what to do if lead is present in their facility’s drinking water. After completing training, child care providers receive a free lead in water test kit in the mail to collect water samples and send to a lab for analysis.
If lead is present, we provide child care facilities with mitigation strategies that will help minimize or eliminate the lead in their water. To equitably service Illinois child care facilities, all LeadCare Illinois services are available in both Spanish and English.
Elevate administers LeadCare Illinois in partnership with the Illinois Department of Public Health, Illinois Environmental Protection Agency, and Illinois Action for Children. Funding is provided in whole or in part by the Illinois Department of Public Health.