News

Can You Trust Your Child's Drinking Water?

Can You Trust Your Child

Mississipppi State's SipSafe Provides the Answers

Before you turn on your tap, the Water Resources Research Institute at Mississippi State University has some important news to share about your drinking water.

As a society, we've come a long way in understanding the dangers of lead exposure and building lead-free water systems. But lead is still out there—and children from birth to age 5 are the most susceptible to lead poisoning from drinking water.

Protecting this vulnerable population is the goal of SipSafe, a program administered by the Mississippi State University Extension Service and funded by the Environmental Protection Agency.

"Since the launch of SipSafe, we've taken more than 4,000 water samples at child care facilities and elementary schools across Mississippi," said Justin Palmer, MSU Extension associate.

"The good news is that 89% tested well below the EPA's action level of 15 ppb. For the others, SipSafe provides a cost-effective solution to remediate lead and bring drinking water into compliance."

Most high lead levels can be traced to old or cheaply made faucets and lead-based soldering. Through the SipSafe program, facilities that invest in lead-free replacements can be reimbursed for new faucets and plumbing expenses, up to $200 per fixture. Follow-up sampling is then performed to ensure their water is EPA-compliant.

In addition to children's facilities, SipSafe provides no-cost sampling services for water utilities, which are now required by the EPA to have lead testing programs in place.

For the general public, MSU Extension recommends these strategies to reduce lead exposure in children:

  1. Run the faucet at least 30 seconds before your first use.
  2. Use water from the cold tap for cooking and making baby formula for bottles.
  3. Flush water heaters each year according to the manufacturer's instructions.
  4. When playing outside, don't let children drink from the garden hose or outside faucet.

"The success of SipSafe demonstrates the power of collaboration between researchers, educators and community partners to address critical public health challenges," said Palmer. "By working together, we can create a safer and healthier future for Mississippi's children."

The Water Resources Research Institute at Mississippi State University is a leader in addressing critical water and land use challenges. Collaborating with leading water resources officials, the institute develops innovative research solutions that benefit Mississippi, the region and the nation. Learn more about the institute at www.wrri.msstate.edu.

Mississippi State University is taking care of what matters. Learn more at www.msstate.edu.

View More News