WIIN Grant for School and Child Care Lead Testing

The State of Missouri’s WIIN Grant: Lead Testing in School and Child Care Program Drinking Water is part of a broader initiative funded by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) under the Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation (WIIN) Act.

The program is designed to assist states in reducing lead exposure in drinking water within schools and child care facilities, where children are most vulnerable. St. John Environmental Testing proudly provides lead testing for schools, childcare facilities and other educational institutions. This grant provides for the peace of mind that administrators need to make sure their students are protected from the harms of lead in drinking water.

The WIIN Act was enacted in 2016 to address various water infrastructure issues across the United States. Among its provisions, the Act specifically allocates funding to states to identify and mitigate lead contamination in drinking water at schools and child care facilities. The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) administers the WIIN grant for the state.

The primary objectives of the program are:

• Testing drinking water. To conduct comprehensive testing of drinking water in schools and child care facilities to identify the presence and levels of lead.
• Protecting children’s health. To ensure the health and safety of children by reducing their exposure to lead, which is a potent neurotoxin that can affect cognitive development and cause various health issues.
• Providing remediation recommendations. Based on test results, the program offers recommendations for reducing or eliminating lead in drinking water. This could involve replacing old pipes, fixtures, or providing filtered water sources.
• Raising awareness and education. The program also focuses on educating school officials, child care providers, and the community about the dangers of lead exposure and the importance of regular water testing.

The grant application is open to public and private schools and licensed child care facilities in Missouri. Priority is often given to facilities that serve younger children (under the age of 6), as they are more susceptible to the effects of lead exposure. The program provides funding for sampling and testing drinking water sources, including fountains, kitchen sinks, and other potable water outlets within the facilities.

Testing can only be conducted by certified professionals, and St. John Environmental Consulting has built its reputation on superior testing services. Results of this testing are then shared with the respective schools and child care centers. The EPA’s action level for lead in drinking water is set at 15 parts per billion (ppb). If lead concentrations exceed this level, immediate action is recommended to reduce lead levels.

While the grant primarily funds testing, it may also provide limited support for immediate remediation efforts, such as installing filters or replacing fixtures. Facilities may need to seek additional funding or support for more extensive remediation, such as plumbing replacements. St. John Environmental Consulting does not provide remediation services, and this guarantees our unbiased results. We can refer your organization to reputable remediation providers.

Testing Results

The WIIN Grant requires that test results are made available to the public, ensuring transparency and accountability. Parents, staff, and the community are kept informed of any potential risks and the steps being taken to address them. The program includes resources and training for school and child care staff on how to maintain safe drinking water systems and reduce lead exposure in the future.

The Missouri WIIN Grant is a vital tool in the state’s efforts to ensure safe drinking water for children. By systematically testing and remediating lead in schools and child care centers, Missouri is taking important steps to protect the health and well-being of its youngest residents. Once your school or childcare center has received funding for this important project, call St. John Environmental Testing Services for expert and thorough testing, clear and easy-to-understand results, and peace of mind. Schedule your inspection at 314-853-4668.