Child Care Lead in Water Testing Program
The Clean Water in Schools and Child Care Centers Act (House Bill 22-1358) was signed into Colorado state law in June 2022. The goal of this law is to reduce children’s exposure to lead and improve public health. This law requires that each child care center, family child care home, and school that serves grades preschool through fifth test their drinking water for lead by May 31, 2023. The law also requires action to fix the problems that cause lead in water (e.g. pipes, faucets, etc.), if necessary.
The goal of this law is to reduce children’s exposure to lead. Lead is a toxic metal that is especially harmful to young children. Old or corroded lead plumbing or old brass faucets can increase lead levels in drinking water. You cannot see, taste, or smell lead in drinking water; testing is the only way to know if water contains lead.
Lead in Drinking Water Factsheets
An ongoing effort in Boulder County and across Colorado is the Test and Fix Water for Kids program. The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) will administer this program to help schools and child care programs meet House Bill 22-1358 requirements by providing free training, testing, technical assistance, and help to fix the source of lead in drinking water.
Boulder County Public Health (BCPH) is helping to increase lead testing across child care programs and is assisting facilities with the process through our involvement in the Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation (WIIN) Act lead testing program.
