WQRF to provide information in test kits donated to U.S. schools
LISLE, Ill. – The Water Quality Research Foundation will provide education on lead in drinking water and help facilitate free water testing kits for U.S. schools with the help of a $25,000 donation from the water filtration company PUR®. The educational measures were announced Oct. 16, the deadline for local municipalities to provide an inventory of lead water services lines under the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Lead and Copper Rule Revisions.
“Lead exposure poses serious health risks, particularly for children and pregnant women. It’s crucial for individuals to understand the potential dangers and take proactive steps to protect their families,” said Pauli Undesser, MWS, Chief Executive Officer for the Water Quality Research Foundation.
The Lead and Copper Rule Revisions require municipalities to notify their residents within the next 30 days if their household water supply is delivered by a lead service line. An estimated 12 million lead pipes are still in use in the United States; when these older pipes corrode or are damaged, lead can leach into the water supply, which puts millions of Americans at risk of exposure.
Lead, a toxic metal that is neither visible nor detectable by taste or smell, can interfere with brain development, resulting in cognitive impairments and developmental delays.
While families seek solutions at home, it’s important that other places of potential lead contamination exposure, like schools, have access to cleaner water. In commitment to providing education and helping schools find solutions for lead-contaminated water, WQRF and PUR are working together to facilitate access to the test kits and educational materials for schools across the United States.
“We’re honored to contribute to WQRF in support of educating and providing tools to schools during this time of EPA rule revisions and heightened awareness of potential exposure to lead-contaminated water,” said Claudia Metcalf, VP Wellness at Helen of Troy (PUR). “PUR is committed to spreading awareness of lead contamination and helping give consumers options they can take if they are affected by lead service lines.”
Schools can apply online for cost-free water testing kits that can help them gauge lead levels in the school’s water. WQRF educational materials will be provided as part of those kits.
wqrf.org
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Since 1952, the Water Quality Research Foundation (WQRF) has served as an independent, scientific water quality research organization with an aim to improve water quality through relevant academic research, advancing the knowledge and science of high-quality, sustainable water. Since its inception, WQRF has funded numerous research studies that have generated essential information on water quality for industry, policymakers, regulators, and the public. Find out more: WQRF.org/completed-studies.
About PUR:
PUR is dedicated to providing superior filtration products that improve drinking water quality. With over 30 years of experience, PUR is the #1 selling brand in lead filtration1, offering products certified to reduce more contaminants than any other brand. PUR is committed to educating consumers about water quality issues and offering solutions that make a difference in their lives. Be sure it’s PUR.
1Based on Nielsen sales data for lead-reducing filters for the 52 weeks ending 8/24/2024.
About Helen of Troy Limited
Helen of Troy Limited (Nasdaq: HELE) is a leading global consumer products company offering creative products and solutions for its customers through a diversified portfolio of well-recognized and widely trusted brands, including OXO, Hydro Flask, Osprey, Vicks, Braun, Honeywell, PUR, Hot Tools and Drybar. The Company sometimes refers to these brands as its Leadership Brands. All trademarks herein belong to Helen of Troy Limited (or its subsidiaries) and/or are used under license from their respective licensors. For more information about Helen of Troy, please visit www.helenoftroy.com.