EPA Press Office:

Biden-Harris Administration Announces $58 million to Reduce Lead in Schools and Childcare Facilities Through Investing in America Agenda

SEATTLE (August 4, 2023) - U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Assistant Administrator for Water Radhika Fox along with U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren and U.S. Representative Katherine Clark, announced $58 million in grant funding from President Biden’s Investing in America agenda to protect children from lead in drinking water at schools and childcare facilities across the country.

“I am excited to join local leaders here in Boston to announce $58 million in grant funding that can be used to test for lead in drinking water, identify potential sources, and remove those sources to better protect our nation’s children,” said EPA Assistant Administrator for Water Radhika Fox. “Reducing lead in drinking water is a top priority and EPA is taking a holistic approach—harmonizing regulations with historic infrastructure investments under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law while providing technical assistance to disadvantaged communities to protect all Americans from lead in drinking water.”

The following states will receive funding through the WIIN Grant:Voluntary School and Child Care Lead Testing and Reduction Grant Program

• Alaska - $148,000
• Idaho - $333,000
• Oregon - $1,151,000
• Washington - $1,295,000

EPA is also releasing a revised grant implementation document that outlines new authority provided by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to fund activities that remove sources of lead in drinking water. Funding will go towards voluntary lead testing, compliance monitoring, and for the first-time, lead in drinking water remediation projects.

"Thanks to the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, Massachusetts students and families will rest easier knowing that the water in our schools is safe and free of dangerous toxins like lead," said Senator Elizabeth Warren. "This investment in our schools and our infrastructure will help support the lasting, resilient water systems our communities deserve."

The grant requires the use of guidance from EPA’s 3Ts (Training, Testing, and Taking Action) Program to support schools and childcare facilities in making progress on reducing lead in drinking water. Tools and resources provided by the 3Ts Program assist states, territories, and Tribes to provide technical assistance and take action to support the health and safety of children in early care and education settings.

Learn more about the Biden-Harris Administration’s Lead Pipe and Paint Action Plan and EPA’s Strategy to Reduce Lead Exposures and Disparities in U.S. Communities. 

Contact Information: R10 Public Affairs Office R10_Press_Team@epa.gov 

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