New Rule Requires Testing of Water for Lead Contamination at Child Care Centers

The NC Commission for Public Health has adopted and approved a new sanitation rule effective October 1, 2019.  This amended rule requires that all licensed child care centers test all drinking water faucets and food preparation sinks for lead contamination within one year, and new centers must test upon application for a license.  After that, child care centers will test their water once every three years. If a child care center finds elevated concentrations of lead in the center’s water, they will be required to take immediate action.

The Division of Child Development and Early Education and the NC Division of Public Health (DPH) are both here to help you make sure that the drinking water in child care centers is as safe and clean as possible.  You will receive a notice and instructions as soon as the new testing system is ready from the DPH. Click here for more information.