Testing for Lead in Drinking Water at Schools

There needs to be one or two designated people who will:

• Complete the tap inventory.

• Fill out the Water Sample Worksheet for each sample.

• Collect water samples.

• Prepare the samples for courier pickup or UPS shipping.

You’ll need to do a tap inventory to order lead in drinking water test kits. Complete only one tap inventory per school. Fill in the blue section titled "Tap Inventory for Schools and Child Care Providers Testing for Lead in Drinking Water." Make sure you save the tap inventory for later. It will help when you’re collecting water samples.

Schools will need to collect drinking water samples from all taps that are currently or reasonably expected to be used for drinking or cooking in the buildings they own, control and operate. This includes taps in rooms that are used by all licensed child care programs (preschool or afterschool).

You'll be collecting two samples at each tap — a “first draw” and a “flush.” The first draw sample collects the first water that comes out of the tap after a period of inactivity (between 8 and 18 hours). The flush sample collects water after the tap has been running for 30 seconds.

Fixtures that have multiple taps (such as a sink with a faucet and a drinking fountain, or bottle fill station and drinking fountain) are called “combo fixtures.” You'll need to do two first draw samples, but only one flush sample. The flush sample should be from the tap that is easiest to flush for 30 seconds.

For ice machines, you’ll need to collect one first draw sample only.

Download the tap inventory
See photo examples of fixture types

Send your tap inventory as an attachment to [email protected]. Write “Tap Inventory” in the subject line. Include the following in the body of the email:

• First and last name

• Phone number

• School name

Someone from the Health Department will contact you if more information is needed.

Superintendents (public schools) and heads of school (independent schools) will be emailed when their school(s) have been scheduled. Go to the School Testing Schedule

You’ll need to send a letter and an informational sheet to parents, guardians and school staff at least 5 days before you begin collecting samples. If there is a licensed child care program (preschool or afterschool) that operates in your school, talk to them about your testing schedule so they can send the letter and informational sheet to their program's parents, guardians and staff at least 5 days before you begin collecting samples.

The letter should include:

• Your scheduled sample collection week

• Why you’re being asked to test

• The requirements for testing

• The health effects of lead and other sources of lead (included on the informational sheet)

• How you will notify parents, guardians and staff about the results

• How you will respond to results that are at or above 4 ppb

We created a letter template and informational sheet with all of the elements listed above for you to use. They are translated into nine languages and posted below.

The yellow highlighted sections in all capital letters on the letter template (for example, DATE, SCHOOL NAME, etc.) will need to be edited by you before sending out the letters.

Download the letter template
Download the informational sheet
Download translated versions of the letter template and informational sheet

Sample bottles will be mailed to you. In the box of sample bottles, you will find:

• Pre-labeled sample bottles for each tap listed on your tap inventory

• A Water Sample Worksheet

• Instructions on how to collect water samples

• UPS pre-paid return shipping label or courier information

You will need to collect two samples at each tap — a first draw and a flush. There is a unique Lab ID # on each line of the Water Sample Worksheet and a corresponding sample bottle with a matching Lab ID #. First draw sample bottles have a "FIRST DRAW" sticker on them, and flush sample bottles have a "FLUSH" sticker on them.

For combo fixtures (for example, a sink with a faucet and a drinking fountain or bottle fill station and drinking fountain), you will need to collect two first draw samples — one from each tap — but only one flush sample. The flush sample should be from the tap that is easiest to flush for 30 seconds. For ice machines, you will need to collect one first draw sample only.

Collect samples first thing in the morning after the water has been sitting in the pipes for 8 to 18 hours. Make sure you collect all of the samples before the water starts being used for the day. Don’t sample the first day back after a weekend, holiday or vacation.

Collect all samples from the taps listed on Water Sample Worksheet. Starting closest to where the water enters the building, collect all first draw samples first. Then go back and collect all flush samples.

Follow the instructions on how to collect water samples that are included in the box. Fill out the Collection Date and Collection Time (note AM or PM) on the Water Sample Worksheet for each sample.

Download instructions on how to collect water samples

Samples will be returned to the lab using courier pickup or UPS. Instructions for using the courier or a UPS shipping label will be included in the box of sample bottles sent to you.

Courier pickup

• Screw the caps on tightly.

• Pack the samples and the Water Sample Worksheet securely in any box(es) using packing material to make sure they don’t move around.

• Label the box(es) with your school name.

• Leave the packed box(es) at the front desk or main office for courier pickup.

UPS

• On the same day you collect your water samples, call UPS to schedule a pickup at your school or drop off the box(es) at a UPS Store Monday through Thursday (not on a Friday, a weekend, or a holiday). Water samples must reach the Lab within one week of collection.

• Screw the caps on tightly.

• Pack the samples and the Water Sample Worksheet securely in any box(es) using packing material to make sure they don’t move around.

• Seal the box with packing tape and place the return shipping label on the box, covering the original shipping label. (A pre-paid return shipping label will be included in the box of sample bottles mailed to you.)

• If you are scheduling a pickup: Call UPS at 1-800-742-5877.

  • When calling UPS, say “schedule a pickup” and then "agent" to get a live representative.

  • Provide your tracking number and the date and the time you want the driver to do the pickup.

  • There is no cost for shipping. If you are asked to pay, say "bill to original shipper."

You will receive your results by email 8 to 12 weeks after the samples have been picked up by the courier or sent via UPS. Results will be emailed to school administrators and child care providers (if there is a licensed preschool or afterschool program that operates in your school).

All results will be posted on the Results Website one week after receiving them by email. Please note that results for a licensed child care program (preschool or afterschool) that operates in your school will be listed under the school’s name.

NOTE: If all of your results were below 4 ppb, the only thing you need to do is to complete Step #4 of this section. You may still choose to remediate taps with results below 4 ppb. However, this is not required by law and there is no remediation funding for taps below 4 ppb. If you choose to complete voluntary remediation, follow Step #5 to determine the best permanent remediation action, then enter the details of what you did in the Voluntary Remediation Form. These voluntary remediation actions will be posted online.

Go to the Lead in Drinking Water Results Website

If any lead levels are found to be at or above 4 ppb, you are required to immediately stop using that tap for drinking or cooking.

Below are the immediate remediation actions you can take while you are figuring out the best permanent remediation action. Record these actions in the green section of your tap inventory and on ANR Online (see Step #3).

• Remove the fixture from service, which means to physically remove the fixture OR valve off the fixture by accessing the supply piping and shutting off the flow of water to the fixture.

• Post a sign that says, “Do Not Drink” or “For Handwashing Only.” Download "Do Not Drink" and "For Handwashing Only" signs

• Install a point-of-use filter after consulting with the Department of Environmental Conservation. Contact Josh Gravlin at 802-261-1360 or [email protected].

Download the Remediation Guidance

ANR Online is the system that tracks all lead in drinking water results and remediation actions. This information is searchable by the public on the Results Website.

First, you’ll need to create an account. Please use the same email address you provided when you submitted your tap inventory so your account can be linked with the correct school or schools. Then, you’ll need to enter the immediate remediation actions taken on all taps that had lead levels at or above 4 ppb.

See instructions on how to create an account and submit remediation actions on ANR Online
Go to ANR Online

You’ll need to send a letter to parents, guardians and staff of the results within 10 business days of receiving your results.

If there is a licensed child care program (preschool or afterschool) that operates in your school, talk to them about notifying their program's parents, guardians and staff within 10 business days of receiving results from the Lab and about implementing remediation plans if results at or above 4 ppb.

We also created letter templates for you to use. One is to use when all results were below 4 ppb and the other is to use when one or more results were at or above 4 ppb. They are translated into nine languages and posted below.

The yellow highlighted sections in all capital letters on the letter template (for example, DATE, SCHOOL/FACILITY, etc.) will need to be edited by you before sending out the letters. You may also include any additional information you want to share with your community. We recommend including the test results in the letter. You can do this by copying and pasting the summary of results table from your results email. We also suggest including the name of your school as it’s written above the table. That is the name used on the results website and will make it easier for parents, guardians and staff to find the results. 

Download the below 4 ppb letter template
Download the at or above 4 ppb letter template
Download translated versions of the letter templates

Please note that all results will be posted on the Results Website. Results for licensed child care programs (preschool or afterschool) that operate in a school will be listed under the school’s name.

The best remediation action depends on the results for that tap and whether the first draw sample, flush sample, or both samples were at or above 4 ppb.

Below is a list of the remediation actions. For more details, see the Remediation Guidance starting on page 2. It may be helpful to fill out a plumbing profile and map your results on a floor plan. If you need to consult with the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), contact Josh Gravlin at 802-261-1360 or [email protected].

Permanent fixture remediation actions

• Fixture Removal (you must physically remove the faucet or fountain and cap the supply pipes. Sink basins can stay in place so there aren’t holes in the countertop.)

• Fixture Removal – new fixture installation in other location (for example, centrally located bottle fill station installation)

• Fixture Replacement

• Point-of-use filter installation (after consultation with DEC)

Permanent plumbing remediation actions

• Internal plumbing replacement or bypass

• Service line replacement

• Automatic flushing device installation

• Point-of-use filter installation (after consultation with DEC)

• Treatment installation/optimization (after consultation with DEC)

Download the Remediation Guidance
Download the Plumbing Profile Questionnaire
See instructions on how to submit remediation actions on ANR Online

NOTE: If all of your results were below 4 ppb, you may still choose to remediate taps with results below 4 ppb. However, this is not required by law and there is no remediation funding for taps below 4 ppb. If you choose to complete voluntary remediation, determine the best permanent remediation action, then enter the details of what you did in the Voluntary Remediation Form. These voluntary remediation actions will be posted to the Results Website. Any fixture replacements will still require follow-up testing to make sure lead levels are below 4 ppb. Follow-up testing costs will be covered by the State.

Schools are required to submit a Remediation Plan. This is done through ANR Online. Follow these steps:

1. Sign in to ANR Online.

2. Enter your school’s name.

3. Select the planned permanent remediation action for each tap.

4. Record your immediate remediation actions in the green section of your tap inventory.

By entering this information on ANR Online, you are submitting your Remediation Plan.

Download the Remediation Guidance
See instructions on how to submit your Remediation Plan on ANR Online

You are eligible for reimbursement when you remediate a tap that is at or above 4 ppb. You will be reimbursed for the actual cost of replacing a drinking water fixture up to a maximum amount. Receipts or invoices will need to be submitted to the Health Department. The maximum amount for each type of fixture is:

• Public drinking fountains and ice machines: $1,800.00

• Taps used for cooking: $650.00

• All other taps in schools: $350.00

Here is what you need to do:

1. Complete all necessary work.

2. Record the permanent remediation actions in the green section of your tap inventory.

3. Keep all receipts and invoices to submit for reimbursement.

4. Enter permanent remediation actions on ANR Online.

5. See the Cost Reimbursement section below for more details on how to submit a reimbursement request.

Download the Remediation Guidance
See instructions on how to submit remediation actions on ANR Online

If the permanent remediation action you did was anything other than permanently removing the fixture, you are required to make sure that any remediation action you took has lowered the lead levels of that tap below 4 ppb. Follow-up testing information and kits will be sent to you automatically once you have entered all of your permanent remediation actions. See the next section “Follow-up Testing” for step-by-step instructions.

Once you have recorded your permanent remediation actions in ANR Online for all taps that were at or above 4 ppb, you will receive an email notifying you that you are ready for follow-up testing. 

• Your school will be sent follow-up test kits 1 to 3 weeks after getting the email notification. They will be sent to the same shipping address where your initial kits were sent. 

• The tap inventory included in the email will list which taps need to be re-tested. 

• Follow-up test kits and shipping costs to and from the lab are covered by the State.

After getting the email notification, begin flushing the taps that will need to be re-tested. For 3 weeks, turn on the taps to run water through the new fixtures or plumbing for a few minutes twice per day every day until the day you begin collecting samples.

Follow the instructions on how to collect samples.

The tap information on the Water Sample Worksheet will already be filled out by the lab. You will need to:

• Locate the tap that needs to be tested.

• Match the Lab ID # that's on the form to the sample bottle with the same Lab ID #. First draw sample bottles will have a "FIRST DRAW" sticker on them, and flush samples will have a "FLUSH" sticker on them.

• Follow the instructions that come with the sample bottles.

• Fill out the Collection Date and Collection Time (note AM or PM) on the Water Sample Worksheet for each sample.

Samples will be returned to the lab using courier pickup or UPS. Instructions for using the courier or a UPS shipping label will be included in the box of sample bottles sent to you.

Courier pickup

• Screw the caps on tightly.

• Pack the samples securely in any box(es) using packing materials to make sure they don’t move around.

• Label the box(es) with your school name.

• Leave the packed box(es) at the front desk or main office for courier pickup.

UPS

• On the same day you collect your water samples, call UPS to schedule a pickup at your school or drop off the box(es) at a UPS Store Monday through Thursday (not on a Friday, a weekend, or a holiday). Water samples must reach the Lab within one week of collection.

• Screw the caps on tightly.

• Pack the samples securely in any box(es) using packing materials to make sure they don’t move around.

• Seal the box with packing tape and place the return shipping label on the box, covering the original shipping label. (A pre-paid return shipping label will be included in the box of sample bottles mailed to you.)

• If you are scheduling a pickup: Call UPS at 1-800-742-5877.

  • When calling UPS, say “schedule a pickup” and then say "agent" to get a live representative.

  • Provide your tracking number and the date and the time you want the driver to do the pickup.

  • There is no cost for shipping. If you are asked to pay, say "bill to original shipper."

Results will be emailed to you within 8 to 12 weeks after the samples have been picked up by the courier or sent via UPS.

• If the result is below 4 ppb, no further action is required.

• If the result is at or above 4 ppb, then go back and re-do Steps #5 – 8 under the Results and Remediation section above. Consult with the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) for help in determining the next best remediation action. Contact Josh Gravlin at 802-261-1360 or [email protected].

Notify parents, guardians and staff of results within 10 business days of receiving the follow-up test results from the lab. Follow the instructions in Step #4 under the Results and Remediation Steps above.

Schools need to pay upfront for all costs associated with remediating taps that were at or above 4 ppb. After the remediation is complete, you can submit a reimbursement request.

School districts, supervisory unions and independent schools will be reimbursed for the actual cost of replacement—including parts and labor — of a drinking water fixture if an itemized invoice is received with the initial first draw Lab ID # written on it. (You can find the initial first draw Lab ID # by looking up your results on the Results Website and clicking on “Tap Summary Cards”). The maximum amount for each type of fixture is:

1. Public drinking fountains and ice machines: $1,800.00

2. Taps used for cooking: $650.00

3. All other taps in schools: $350.00

Each location should send one reimbursement request once all remediation has been completed. Use the online Reimbursement Request to submit your request.

Before you begin, please make sure you can:

• Send a copy of all receipts and invoices electronically (combining them into a single file is recommended, if possible). You will be asked to attach them when prompted. 

• Enter total replacement costs by fixture (including parts and labor). 

• Identify each tap you are requesting reimbursement for by its initial first draw Lab ID#.  You can find the initial first draw Lab ID# by looking up your results on the Results Website and clicking on "Tap Summary Cards."
  
  NOTE: The online form is easier to complete on a computer than on a mobile device.
  
  If you are unable to complete the request using the online form, you may use the Reimbursement Request document to submit your request instead. Mail this document with accompanying receipts and invoices to: 

Vermont Department of Health
Attn: Business Office
PO Box 70
Burlington, VT 05402

Payment will be received within 30 days after the Health Department receives an error-free reimbursement request. If an error is found, the Health Department will reach out to request a new invoice. The Health Department will use your State of Vermont Vendor ID to issue payment, which will be made in your preferred method of payment.

If you are unsure if you already have a State of Vermont Vendor ID, please email [email protected].

Exposure to lead is a public health concern in Vermont. Lead is a highly toxic metal that is harmful to human health. It has been commonly used in many household, industrial and automobile products — such as paint, solder, batteries, brass, car radiators, bullets, pottery, etc.

There is no safe level of lead in the body, but lead poisoning is preventable. Lead can harm anyone, but children under the age of six are at special risk. Children are most susceptible to the effects of lead because their bodies are still developing and they absorb lead into their systems more easily than adults do. Even low blood lead levels in a child’s body can slow down growth, impair development and learning, and can cause behavior problems. Most children who have lead poisoning or high levels of lead exposure do not look or act sick.

The first round of testing was completed on December 31, 2021. See the results

There are phased deadlines in 2024 and 2025 for schools to complete their next round of testing. After the second round of testing, schools will also be required to test every three years.  

Ongoing testing is important because lead levels at the tap can change due to water quality changes and the breakdown of plumbing components over time. We encourage facilities to strive for the lowest possible lead levels, ideally below 1 ppb. If a tap tests lower than 1 ppb for three testing cycles, that tap is not required to be tested again.

Because there is no safe level of lead in the body, a Vermont Health Advisory Level of 1 ppb has been established. This is the lowest level that can be reliably measured in water. It is consistent with the American Academy of Pediatrics recommendation that taps in schools should not have lead levels above 1 ppb.

In short, probably not.

Any time a child’s blood lead test shows a detectable level, the Health Department tries to identify the source of the exposure. By testing all schools and requiring remediation, we will be certain that any exposure from drinking water at a school has been identified and reduced.

When deciding whether to test a child for lead in response to a school’s water test results, it is important to understand that the possible exposure to lead from drinking the water at a school may only be a part of the picture. There are other possible sources of lead (see the next question), and the amount in drinking water can add to a child's overall lead exposure. We also can’t know how much water an individual child drinks at school, so the amount of exposure is unknown.

All children should be screened for lead at ages 1 and 2 by their health care providers. If you have additional questions, call the Healthy Homes Lead Poisoning Prevention Program at 802-863-7220 or 800-439-8550 (toll-free in Vermont), or talk to your child’s health care provider.

Learn about lead hazards and how to prevent lead poisoning

Exposure to lead is a public health concern in Vermont. Possible sources include dust from chipping or peeling lead-based paint, toys, keys, jewelry, pottery, dishes, contaminated soil, old plumbing pipes and fixtures, imported candy and foods, and antique, vintage and salvaged goods. While a major source of lead poisoning in Vermont children is paint, lead in plumbing pipes and fixtures can add to a child’s overall lead exposure. Learn about lead hazards and how to prevent lead poisoning

The Health Department encourages all homeowners — on town water or private wells — to test their drinking water for lead. The Health Department Laboratory offers the first draw and flush test kits for $12 each. Call 802-338-4724 or 800-660-9997 (toll-free in Vermont).