The Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC) is proactively addressing lead contamination in drinking water through its voluntary Lead Testing in Schools and Child Care Centers (LTSCC) Program. Funded by the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation (WIIN) Act grant, this multi-year initiative identifies and mitigates lead risks in eligible public schools and child care facilities across the state. The program emphasizes public awareness by sharing test results and providing information about lead exposure to parents, staff, and the broader community. Participants receive training on the health impacts of lead, proper sampling techniques, and result interpretation to support informed remediation. Testing is conducted using approved methods, and follow-up actions are taken when elevated lead levels are found.

Under the EPA’s Lead and Copper Rule Improvements (LCRI), beginning in 2027, public water systems must offer lead testing to all elementary schools and child care facilities within their service areas. Facilities tested between January 1, 2021, and the November 2027 compliance deadline may qualify for a waiver. To support LCRI compliance, TruePani aims to partner with water systems across Tennessee to encourage participation in the LTSCC Program, leveraging established relationships to help utilities meet requirements while reducing lead exposure.

This presentation will highlight key program findings, actions taken in response to elevated levels, and communication strategies used to engage communities. It will also share tools utilities can use to promote participation, outline LCRI sampling requirements, and demonstrate how the LTSCC Program can support compliance. Finally, the session will explore next steps for expanding the program.