POLICY: Childcare centers facilities built before January 2010 will have their water outlets tested for lead by a certified professional lead assessor every 5 years and submit results to their licensing office. Family childcare homes can test their water for lead through the SFPUC.
PURPOSE: To protect the health of children from lead poisoning.
To comply with state laws and licensing regulations.
PROCEDURES FOR CHILD CARE CENTERS (CCC’S)
- Per Health and Safety Code 1597.16 and Assembly Bill 2370 Statutes of 2018, the new state law requires all Child Care Centers (CCC’s) constructed before January 1, 2010, to test their water sources for lead by January 2023, with subsequent testing every 5 years after the date of the first test.
- For new childcare licenses issued after July 2022, lead water testing is required within 180 days of licensure.
- This requirement for lead testing does not apply to Family Child Care Homes (FCC’s), although FCC’s are highly recommended to test their water for lead (see FCC section on next page).
- For detailed requirements of the lead testing, please carefully review PIN 21-21 CCP
- A list of certified lead assessors can be found at: https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CCDPHP/DEODC/CLPPB/Pages/CertListSF.aspx
- The center shall direct the External Certified Water Sampler to work with an accredited environmental laboratory (ELAP) who will provide results of lead testing to the State Water Board, the Certified External Water Sampler, and the Child Care Center.
- The certified lead assessor must complete form LIC 9275.
- A result of 5.0 ppb or higher will indicate the water is unsafe for drinking and immediate action is required.
- There is some limited availability of State and Federal Funding to test drinking water for lead contamination in childcare centers and for remediation (correction). PIN 21-04-CCP contains links to both the state and the federal options for funding assistance. This funding is subject to availability and may be discontinued at any time.
- Application for state funding assistance to determine your eligibility for funding: https://ab2370assistance.owp.csus.edu/
- A vast amount of detailed information on the lead testing requirements can be found at: Water Testing Information (ca.gov)
PROCEDURES FOR FAMILY CHILD CARE HOMES (FCC’S) - Lead testing by a certified lead assessor can be expensive and is not required for FCC’s. However, San Francisco homes are usually old buildings which pose risks of lead in old water pipes, in old paint on walls, in the soil, and other sources. FCC’s are highly recommended to do their own assessment for risks and water testing - $25 through SFPUC.
- Call 3-1-1 or call the SFDPH Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program (CLPP) at 415-252-3800 to request a free lead assessment and determine your home’s risk of lead contamination. CLLP website for more information: https://www.sfdph.org/dph/eh/cehp/lead/default.asp
- To test lead in your tap water, you can collect samples yourself and submit them to the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission (SFPUC) Water Quality Division. The cost is $25 per sample.
- Complete this application and call 415-551-3000 to schedule the testing. Water Quality Division (sfpuc.org)