Lead Sampling Program
Lead Sampling Program (2019-Current)
The Indiana Finance Authority (“IFA”), with assistance from the Indiana Department of Environmental Management, has developed 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.
We invite you to learn more about the program by viewing our video. This will provide you a step-by-step guide on how to participate.
You can find the list of enrolled schools and child care facilities here, along with a summary of testing results and remediation work. This list is updated quarterly.
Lead Sampling Program Application: Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis .Use this link to apply (application in WORD for your convenience here).
Prior to submitting an application, please review the IFA Lead Sampling Program steps for Participants, to understand expectations.
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 Lead Sampling Program Fact Sheet
- IFA Disadvantaged Community Assistance for the Lead Sampling Program Fact Sheet
- IFA Lead Sampling Program Steps for Participants
- IFA Pipe Identification Guidance
- IFA Lead Sampling Program Media Discussion Points
IFA Reports
- 2023 Lead Sampling Program for School and Child Care Facilities Annual Report
- In 2017-2018, the IFA conducted the Lead Sampling Program for Schools. You can find more information on this previous program by viewing the Final Report and the Summary of Enrollment, Results and Remediation Data.
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
IFA Lead Sampling Program in the News
- 8/23/18 Evansville Vanderburgh School Corporation tests lead levels in water
- 12/14/17 Knightstown - Schools' water supply test results
- 4/28/18 NW Indiana Schools Praise Program
Contacts
Evan Fall
Project Manager, Water Resources and Infrastructure Planning Program
317-232-3195; efall1@ifa.in.gov
Sarah Hudson
Technical Assistance and Outreach Manager
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