Our children need safe drinking water \u2014 especially at school, where they go to learn and play each day. Unfortunately, lead is contaminating drinking water at schools and preschools across the country.<\/p>\r\n
With major funding now available to our schools, we have an unprecedented opportunity to \u201cget the lead out\u201d and ensure safe drinking water for our kids.<\/p>","":null}},{"acf_fc_layout":"layout_accordion","_acfe_flexible_toggle":"","component_accordion":{"title":"Frequently asked questions","entries":[{"title":"Is there lead in the water at my child\u2019s school?","content":"Given that most schools still have faucets, fountains or other parts containing lead (and no filters), the water at your child\u2019s school is likely at risk of lead contamination."},{"title":"How does lead harm children?","content":"
\u201cIn children, low levels of [lead] exposure have been linked to damage to the central and peripheral nervous system, learning disabilities, shorter stature, impaired hearing and impaired formation and function of blood cells.\u201d<\/p>\r\n
\u2014 Environmental Protection Agency<\/i><\/p>"},{"title":"My school says the water meets current standards. So is the water safe?","content":"In most places, outdated standards allow significantly more lead in schools\u2019 water than 1 part per billion \u2014 the limit recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics."},{"title":"Can the test results be trusted?","content":"It is highly likely that lead contamination extends beyond confirmed test results, as tests sometimes fail to detect lead \u2014 or the full extent of lead \u2014 in water, especially when sampling is done improperly."},{"title":"What should my child\u2019s school do to ensure safe drinking water?","content":"Schools should start by replacing fountains with water bottle stations that have filters to remove lead, and installing such filters on all other taps used for cooking or drinking."},{"title":"How can my school pay for water bottle stations and lead filters?","content":"
School districts can ensure safe drinking water with a small fraction of the nearly $110 billion in federal stimulus they are now receiving. Other funding is also available.<\/p>"}]}},{"acf_fc_layout":"layout_wysiwyg","_acfe_flexible_toggle":"","component_wysiwyg":{"content":"