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MassDEP explains Water Smart lead‑testing program for schools and child care facilities
Summary
The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection outlined how schools and child care centers can apply to the Water Smart program for lead testing, described eligibility (including free testing for first‑time applicants), the application steps, and interim measures to reduce exposure.
An agency official with the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) presented a recorded overview of the Water Smart program explaining how public and private schools and child care facilities can apply for drinking-water lead testing and follow-up support.
MassDEP emphasized the program’s public-health purpose and eligibility. "The Water Smart program helps public and private schools, as well as child care facilities, test their drinking water for lead," the presenter said, and noted testing is "especially important" for facilities that serve younger children, for buildings whose plumbing has not been replaced since 2014, and for buildings constructed before 1988.
The presentation laid out the application and service process. Applicants should visit www.mass.gov/watersmart, open the program application (available in English and Spanish), complete and submit the form. MassDEP will review applications and notify facilities by email whether they are accepted. If accepted, facilities are assigned a technical assistance provider (TAP) who will design a sampling plan, arrange sample collection and shipment to a laboratory, and identify actions to address any elevated lead levels.
The presenter said participants will receive documentation and tools at the program’s conclusion: "A certificate and water filters will also be delivered." The program also offers help reviewing educational outreach materials for parents, teachers and students.
MassDEP clarified a limit on complimentary services: "only 1st time applicants are eligible for free testing except under special circumstances," underscoring that repeat testing may not be automatically provided at no cost.
As interim preventive guidance before testing and remediation, the presenter recommended practical steps to reduce potential exposure, including flushing faucets for 30 to 60 seconds if they have not been used for more than six hours.
The presentation closed by directing viewers to the MassDEP Water Smart web page for the program application and additional resources; applicants should follow the site instructions and await an email from MassDEP about next steps and TAP assignment.
