January 16, 2018

The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) is working with the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) to heighten awareness of the importance of reducing and preventing exposure to lead and high levels of copper, particularly by pregnant women, infants, and young children. As part of this effort, MassDEP asked that we share the following message with you:

Dear School Nurse:

Happy New Year! Funding for Massachusetts’ Lead in School Drinking Water Program is still available for the 2017-2018 school year (https://www.mass.gov/news/massachusetts-officials-launch-lead-in-school-drinking-water-testing-program-for-2017-2018

Massachusetts Officials Launch Lead in School Drinking …

www.mass.gov

Press Release Massachusetts Officials Launch Lead in School Drinking Water Testing Program for 2017-2018 School Year

The Lead in School Drinking Water Assistance Program is open to public schools and childcare facilities that did not previously participate in the Program. There is limited funding available; eligible applicants will be accepted into the Program as they apply and until Program funding has been exhausted.

The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP), through its partnership with the University of Massachusetts- Amherst, will provide technical assistance to ensure that public school districts can sample the taps and water fountains in their schools, and to identify any results that show lead and copper concentrations over the action level.

For additional information and to apply to participate in the Lead in School Drinking Water Program, please visit: https://www.mass.gov/assistance-program-for-lead-in-school-drinking-water.