The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) is expanding its free statewide Lead Testing in School and Child Care program with a new self-guided and self-paced portal to help eligible institutions conduct voluntary sampling and analysis for lead in drinking water. Through the program, TCEQ will offer free sampling materials and laboratory testing, guidance for completing the program, and ongoing support. Participants will also receive resources for remediation.
With millions of dollars allocated for the program, financial support is made possible by TCEQ and U.S. EPA. The program is part of a nationwide effort established by the Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation (WIIN) Act.
Any Texas public school (K-12) or state-regulated child-care facility is eligible, but priority is given to schools and childcare programs in low-income or underserved areas, such as schools where at least 50% of the children receive free and reduced priced lunch and those that have Head Start programs. Additional priority is given to schools and child-care facilities mainly caring for children 6 years old and younger, and to older facilities that are more likely to have pipes and fixtures containing lead.
Questions and comments about this program can be sent to ltscc@tceq.texas.gov.
