A plan to reduce lead in drinking water was announced last week by the Environmental Protection Agency.

The EPA said the Drinking Water Lead Reduction Plan will strengthen requirements for water utilities and states to test for and reduce lead in drinking water. The plan also calls for better monitoring and reporting of problems of lead in drinking water in schools and childcare facilities.

“We need to free people from worrying about lead in their drinking water,” said Ben Grumbles, EPA assistant administrator for water. “This plan will increase the accuracy and consistency of monitoring and reporting, and it ensures that where there is a problem, people will be notified and the problem will be dealt with quickly and properly.”

Lead is a highly toxic metal that was used for many years in products found in and around homes. Even at low levels, lead may cause a range of health effects including behavioral problems and learning disabilities. Children six years old and under are most at risk because this is when the brain is developing. The primary source of lead exposure for most children is lead-based paint in older homes. Lead in drinking water adds to that exposure.

(via U.S. Environmental Protection Agency)