About LeadCare Illinois
Helping Bring Safer Water to Children Across Illinois
LeadCare Illinois empowers child care providers and school leaders to address lead in drinking water by providing free lead-in-water testing, mitigation support and reimbursement, and training.
Lead Exposure is Dangerous
There is no safe level of lead exposure in children, and the effects are especially concerning among infants and children under age six. Exposure to lead, even at low levels, can damage children’s developing brains and nervous systems, contributing to lower IQs, hearing loss, and learning and behavior problems in and out of the classroom.
Exposure can often come from an everyday source, such as drinking water. Lead can enter water from older pipes, faucets, fixtures, or other plumbing materials that contain lead.
Tackling Lead-in-Water at Child Care Facilities and Schools
Children spend a lot of time at child cares and schools, and likely drink tap water and eat food prepared with water in these homes or buildings. The only way to confirm that water does not contain lead is to have it tested. Testing will help you identify potential sources and take appropriate action to protect children, one of our most vulnerable populations.
All children deserve clean drinking water, no matter who they are or where they live.
Program Administrator
LeadCare Illinois℠ is administered by Elevate Energy (Elevate) in partnership with the Illinois Department of Public Health. Funding is provided by the Illinois Department of Public Health.
Elevate is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to design and implement programs that ensure everyone has access to clean and affordable heat, power, and water in their homes and communities.
Partnerships
Illinois Action for Children, a nonprofit that supports children and families across the state, is a partner of LeadCare Illinois. The Environmental Defense Fund also provides support and collaboration on information and resources.
