Utah to receive EPA funding to reduce lead in drinking water

SALT LAKE CITY — The United States Environmental Protection Agency is giving Utah $257,000 to reduce lead in drinking water at schools and child care facilities. 

The money is coming from a nationwide allocation of $26 million, made available through the Voluntary School and Child Care Lead Testing and Reduction Grant Program. 

Established by the Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation Act in 2016, the program works to fund lead testing and removal in schools. 

According to the EPA’s Regional Administrator, Cyrus Western, the agency understands that reducing lead in water is important to the health of American children. 

“This grant is a direct investment in the health of our young learners and future leaders,” Western said. 

Lead in drinking water can cause health problems

The Centers for Disease Control explained that exposure to lead in drinking water can lead to behavior or learning issues, slow growth, anemia and other health problems. In some rare cases, it can even lead to seizures and death. 

No level of lead is safe for children. 

The element, which occurs naturally and is minimally found in the planet’s crust, can accumulate in bones. Although it poses particular health threats to children, exposure is not safe for anyone. 

Per the CDC, adult lead exposure can lead to heart and kidney issues, as well as reproductive problems in both sexes. 

Most commonly, lead enters drinking water through pipes and fixtures containing it, which are mostly found in cities and homes built before 1986. However, newer structures may have lead in their service lines in the form of solder. 

Soldering is used to fuse different types of metal by melting a small piece of soldering material, which is often made of tin and lead. However, some lead-free options are available. 

There are ways to ensure pipes and fixtures don’t contain lead. According to the EPA, these products will contain a mark indicating that they are lead free. To get the stamp, they must be inspected and approved by one of eight accredited organizations. 

How do I know if there’s lead in my home? 

Since lead can not be detected through sight, smell or taste, testing is necessary to confirm lead in drinking water. 

If you suspect there may be lead in your home or business’ pipes, contact the water department for your area. The CDC said it will be able to identify lead service lines and possibly provide testing. 

Additionally, you can further protect yourself from lead contamination by using a National Sanitation Foundation International-certified water filter. Although Brita filters are a well-known brand, there are other options. 

Some filtering products may filter tap water into a pitcher, while others mount directly onto kitchen faucets. Regardless of the one you choose, look for the NSF seal to ensure that it will actually filter lead. 

Finally, the CDC said showering or bathing in lead-contaminated water “should be safe for adults and children.” Lead can not be absorbed through skin. 

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