EWSU Community Conversation on Lead & Drinking Water
Tap Drinking Water Quality Sampling Program for Elementary Schools and Childcare Facilities
Evansville Water and Sewer Utility (EWSU) is preparing to launch a tap water quality sampling program for all elementary schools and childcare facilities built before 2014 served by the Utility. The program is in response to new Lead and Copper Rule Improvements mandated by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The new rule requires utilities to identify and remove all private water service lines that are compromised by lead by November 1, 2037.
Exposure to lead in drinking water can cause serious health effects in all age groups. Infants and children can have decreases in IQ and attention span. Minimizing lead exposure is the shared responsibility of EWSU and our community.
EWSU will begin sampling and testing drinking water taps at childcare facilities and elementary schools this Spring. To ensure broad participation in the program, childcare and elementary school representatives are encouraged to complete and submit an intake survey form at www.ewsu.com/EducationalFacilitySurvey and attend a Community Conversation about lead and drinking water. The meeting will be held on Saturday, January 25, at 10:00 a.m. at Sunrise Pump Station, 1200 Waterworks Road.
Meeting attendees will receive a brief presentation on Lead and Copper Rule Improvements and learn more about EWSU’s tap water sampling program. Questions are welcome at the meeting and may be submitted in advance at www.ewsu.com/contact. The meeting will be streamed live at www.ewsu.com and a recording of the meeting will be available later on the website. For more information about lead and drinking water, visit www.ewsu.com/LeadSafety.
