As early as next week, the state will begin testing tap water for lead at about 1,200 licensed childcare and preschool facilities in Hawai'i.

The statewide testing program, which will be conducted over two years, is intended to help safeguard young children, who are considered to be more vulnerable to lead exposure, said Janice Okubo, spokeswoman for the state Health Department.

"We felt this would add an increased protection for our children," Okubo said. "In past studies, very few children were identified with above-average exposure to lead. But we just felt this testing would add increased protection."

Effects of lead ingestion can include learning disabilities, reduced attention spans, hyperactivity, impaired growth and behavioral issues, according to the Health Department.

The testing is the first of its kind in Hawai'i, and will involve licensed facilities in commercial areas and the 550 centers in private homes. Parents of children at daycare centers will be alerted before the testing is conducted and will be notified of the test results.

The state conducted voluntary testing for lead paint five years ago at daycare facilities, but the water testing is mandatory and will include all centers.

Childcare facilities will not be charged for the testing — however, they will be required to take responsibility for any remedial actions if problems are found, the Health Department said.

Fixes could include installing a filter system, replacing plumbing fixtures or switching to bottled water, according to the Health Department.

The possible costs of such fixes are a concern to Ray Sanborn, president of the Kama'aina Kids nonprofit organization, which has 17 preschool locations statewide, all in leased spaces.

Sanborn said Kama'aina Kids "doesn't really have a budget for that."

"Of course, we welcome testing because this is a safety issue for the kids. I hope there would be funds available to us if anything is found," he said.

PAINT TESTED EARLIER

The project is being done in conjunction with the state Department of Human Services, which licenses daycare facilities.

The new state program supplements testing already required by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

About five years ago, the health department conducted voluntary testing for lead paint at various childcare and preschool facilities, Okubo said.

Kama'aina Kids took part in that testing, said Sanborn. Lead paint was found at several locations and the organization was responsible for abatement of the paint, he said.

In a written news release yesterday, health department director Dr. Chiyome Fukino said that even though water delivered from the public water systems meets federal and state standards, there is a risk of lead leaching into tap water if pipes are connected by lead solder in older buildings, or from the water fixtures in use.

SAFE TAP WATER

The statewide testing program is expected to span two years at an estimated cost of $569,000, which will come from the EPA Drinking Water State Revolving Fund administered by the health department.

"Our goal is to ensure that all childcare facilities provide healthy environments for Hawai'i's keiki," said Human Services director Lillian Koller in a news release. "We believe the majority of childcare facilities do have safe tap water. These tests will determine if individual facilities need to take corrective action to ensure their water supply is safe."

The health department has hired Honolulu-based AMEC Earth & Environmental Inc. to conduct the testing.

Reach Loren Moreno at lmoreno@honoluluadvertiser.com.