EPA announces $2.2 million grant for drinking water program
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced a $2.2 million grant for Alaska, Idaho, Oregon and Washington to help identify sources of lead in drinking water in schools and child-care facilities.
EPA Region 10 Administrator Chris Hladick says ensuring access to clean drinking water and protecting children from exposure to lead are critically important to EPA.
He says the funding will support the states' efforts to keep children safe from the adverse health impacts of lead in drinking water.
The EPA has awarded $43.7 million in grants nationwide toward funding testing for lead in drinking water under the EPA's new Voluntary Lead Testing in Schools and Child Care program, according to an EPA press release.
Washington was specifically awarded $723,000 to expand its program to test lead in child-care facilities and public schools.
The press release states the state will test water fixtures used for drinking or cooking and prioritize serving children who are most vulnerable to lead exposure.
