Phase II (2019-Current)
Phase II of the Lead Sampling Program
The Indiana Finance Authority (“IFA”), with assistance from the Indiana Department of Environmental Management, has developed Phase II of the Lead Sampling Program for Schools and Child Care Facilities (“Lead Sampling Program”) to help schools and child care facilities assess if there is a presence of lead in drinking water within their buildings.
This program is funded in part by the U.S. EPA's Lead Testing in School and Child Care Program Drinking Water Grant authorized under the Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation Act and largely follows the U.S. EPA’s 3Ts guidance – Training, Testing, and Taking Action.
You can find the list of enrolled schools and child care facilities here. This list is updated quarterly.
Updates:
Lead Sampling Program Educational Training
The Indiana Finance Authority (“IFA”) is offering free training for child care providers to learn more about lead in drinking water as part of the IFA’s free and voluntary Lead Sampling Program. This training will offer one hour of continuing education/ “one clock hour” towards Indiana’s Core Knowledge and Competency “Health, Safety and Nutrition” content area.
The free training will cover the basics of lead in drinking water, where it is found, the health effects of exposure, best practices to reduce the chances of exposure, and how the IFA’s Lead Sampling Program can help child care facilities assess if there is a presence of lead in the water within their buildings.
The IFA will be offering free training sessions on the following dates:
- January 19, 2023 (6-7 PM EST)
- January 21, 2023 (9-10 AM EST)
- January 24, 2023 (1-2 PM EST)
- February 2, 2023 (6-7 PM EST)
Training Registration: Use this link to register
Lead Sampling Program
The IFA will accept applications for Phase II of the Lead Sampling Program until February 3, 2023.
Prior to submitting an application, please review the IFA Lead Sampling Program steps for Participants, to understand expectations.
Lead Sampling Program Application: Use this link to apply (application in WORD for your convenience here).
FAQs:
Why is sampling for lead in drinking water a priority?
Recent events have increased the visibility of the risks young children face when exposed to elevated levels of lead. Drinking water is one pathway through which children can be exposed to lead. By participating in this program, schools and child care facilities join Indiana in continuing to advance safe and healthy environments for our youngest Hoosiers.
Who is eligible to apply?
All Indiana public K-12 schools recognized by the Indiana Department of Education and all child care facilities recognized by the Indiana Family and Social Services Administration are eligible to apply for the program.
What does the program provide?
The Lead Sampling Program covers the cost of sampling bottles, postage to send the bottles to the facilities and to the laboratory once collected, plus the sample analysis cost. Schools and child care facilities are responsible for collecting samples and any costs associated with remediation actions identified by sampling. The IFA will provide sample collection training, as well as remediation guidance specific to each facility’s results. Facilities that serve a Disadvantage Community may be eligible for financial assistance to help cover the cost of labor and parts related to remediation needs. See separate fact sheet titled, Disadvantaged Community Assistance for the Lead Sampling Program.
What reporting requirements will be required?
Participants must make the sampling results available to the public by maintaining a copy of results in their offices or by posting the results online.
Program Resources
IFA Resources
- IFA Lead Sampling Program Brochure
- IFA Phase II Lead Sampling Program Fact Sheet
- IFA Disadvantaged Community Assistance for the Lead Sampling Program Fact Sheet
- IFA Phase II Lead Sampling Program and Steps
- IFA Pipe Identification Guidance
- 2017-2018 IFA Lead Sampling Program Final Report, January 2019
- IFA Lead Sampling Program Media Discussion Points
IDEM Resources
- IDEM Drinking Water and Lead
- IDEM School Lead Sampling Attached to Community Public Water System
- Follow-up Steps for Schools with Lead and/ or Copper Sampling Results above the Action Level
- IDEM's Lead Sampling Video
- IDEM Database of Water Sampling Results for Public Water System
- IDEM Lead in Drinking Water – Information for Consumers
EPA Resources
- EPA Lead Sampling Program Template to Parents Letter
- Ensuring Drinking Water Quality in Schools During and After Extended Closures, EPA March 2021
- Ensuring Drinking Water Quality in Child Care Facilities During and After Extended Closures, EPA March 2021
- EPA 3T's for Reducing Lead in Drinking Water in Schools
- 3 Pasos Clave para Reducir el Nivel de Plomo en el Agua Potable en Escuelas
- EPA Potential Funding Sources for Reducing Lead Oct 2019
- EPA Lead Free Certification Guide
IDOH Resources
US Census Resources
Contacts
Evan Fall
Project Manager, Water Resources and Infrastructure Planning Program
317-232-3195; efall1@ifa.in.gov
Sarah Hudson
Director, Water Resources and Infrastructure Planning Program
317-232-2812; sahudson@ifa.in.gov
Joanie Jones
Administrative Assistant
317-234-1279; joajones@ifa.in.gov
Stephanie McFarland
Media inquiries
317-602-1546; stephanie@mcfarlandpr.com
Program Mailing Address:
100 North Senate Avenue, Rm. 1275
Indianapolis, IN 46204
Fax: 317-234-1338