Lindsay McCormick, Project Manager and Tom Neltner, J.D., Chemicals Policy Director
[Updated April 2018 and June 2018] . See here for the most up-to-date information on state testing requirements.
Children under the age of 6 are most vulnerable to the detrimental impacts of lead exposure. Even at low levels, lead exposure can harm the brain development of young children – resulting in learning and behavioral problems for the rest of their lives.
The recent national attention on lead in drinking water and reports of high levels in certain schools has spurred action to address the problem in schools. As a result of state-level requirements and voluntary state programs, many schools across the country are testing their drinking water for lead and taking actions to fix problems.
In contrast, child care (also called day care or early childhood education) has gone relatively unnoticed – even though such facilities serve children at their most vulnerable ages.
However, several states and cities have or are developing proactive programs requiring testing for lead in child care facilities’ drinking water and mandating action when high levels are found. Seven states – Connecticut, Illinois, New Hampshire, New Jersey, Oregon, Rhode Island, and Washington – and one city – New York City– require licensed child care facilities to test their drinking water for lead [1].