Recent crises involving elevated levels of lead in drinking water in Flint, Michigan, and Sebring, Ohio – along with other U.S. cities – have reached prominence on a national level. 在这些事件的推动下，联邦政府 and state regulators are reacting to quickly review regulations concerning lead in 饮用水 and to enact prompt changes for water systems across the country. In addition, this increased awareness of lead in 饮用水 has resulted in public attention to school water systems and the potential for lead exposure in schools. Schools are a focus because young children are at higher risk of adverse health consequences from lead exposure.

There is no federal law requiring testing for 饮用水 in schools, except for schools that have their own water supply.这里提供的信息是 only intended for schools that receive water from the City of Houston municipal supply. However, the United States Environment Protection Agency (USEPA) provides information and guidance on its website about 饮用水 quality in schools and in child-care 设施. USEPA has developed an online series of questions that may help 设施 decide if testing 饮用水 for lead is necessary. If the answer to any of these questions is yes, there may be the potential for lead in 饮用水. The only way to know if a 饮用水 outlet has lead is 为了测试它. 决策树位于: http://cfpub.epa.gov/safewater/leaddecision/

USEPA provides a more detailed sampling protocol in its “3Ts for Reducing Lead in Drinking Water in Schools Guidelines.” 本文档可以是 PDF格式下载.

Sampling should occur when school is in session. Sampling during the summer, weekends, and vacation periods when buildings are vacant is not the ideal time to try to determine the water 楼宇内部质素.

HISD will work with the City of Houston to determine any source of lead in 饮用水. 此外，美国环保局已经 developed a short guidance document on best management practices for drinking water in schools and child-care 设施. 本文档提供例程 measures for reducing lead exposure, and it 可在此下载.

For information on the TCEQ Drinking Water Lead and Copper Program, please visit: http://www.tceq.texas.gov/drinkingwater/chemicals/lead_copper/lead-copper.html

Starting with the elementary schools, all water fountains and one component in all kitchens will be tested.