Lead can be consumed through water when service pipes become corroded from old age. Many schools in low income areas still have the original lead pipping bringing the water that children drink into schools. Even low levels of lead in the blood of children can result in behavior and learning problems, lower IQ and hyperactivity, slowed growth, hearing problems, and anemia. Per the National Association of Social Worker (NASW) values this is an injustice to the students who drink this water because the are being denied access to needed information, services, and resources about the water that they consume daily at school. This also goes against the human right to water and sanitation. Bill H.R. 4907 from the House of Representatives needs to be passed so that the EPA can establish a grant program that provides funding to educational agencies. This grant program will assist eligible entities in carrying out programs to replace lead service lines for schools and have the water tested to ensure the lines are lead free. This bill needs to be passed so that parents can have a sense of security that their children are drinking safe, clean, and healthy water while at school.
