Lead Sampling for Schools and Child Care Centers

Lead Sampling in Schools

In 2017, the Division of Drinking Water (DDW) released a directive for all water agencies to provide testing for lead in drinking water for all K-12 public, private, and charter schools served by the water agencies that request testing.

On January 1, 2018, testing for lead in drinking water became mandatory for public K-12 schools, preschools, and child day care facilities located on public school sites that were constructed before January 1, 2010. Results are summarized on a map updated by the DDW. Learn more about lead sampling in schools.

Lead Sampling in Child Care Centers

Assembly Bill 2370 (AB 2370) requires that licensed child day care centers which are located in a building constructed before January 1, 2010 test their drinking water prior to January 1, 2023. This requirement does not apply to Family Child Care Centers.   

If lead in water exceeds the Action Level of 5 ppb, AB 2370 requires centers to immediately make inoperable and cease using the affected fountains and notify all parents and guardians of results.

The California Department of Social Services (CDSS) has created an informational website on Lead Testing and Prevention in accordance with AB 2370. On July 28, 2021, a Provider Information Notice (PIN-21-21-CCP) was published with detailed information on testing requirements. The PIN also includes the External Water Sampler Certification Form and Child Care Center Sampling Checklist Form.

The Program requires that a certified external water sampler collect samples at the Child Care Centers. Contra Costa Water District does not provide this service. However, the CDSS website provides a sampler directory.

The CDSS can be reached at:

744 P Street, MS T9-15-48
Sacramento, CA 95814
Telephone: (916) 651-6040
Email: cclwebmaster@dss.ca.gov

Lead and Copper Rule Results 

We completed lead and copper testing under the Lead and Copper Rule (LCR) in more than 50 pre-selected homes throughout our treated water service area. The results met federal and state requirements and were well below the EPA’s action level. The testing targeted high risk homes based on the age of construction. See the latest results from our Lead and Copper Rule Testing Program.