Welcome
The Oregon Department of Education (ODE) is committed to building a healthier future - one where every student can learn and thrive in a safe, lead-free environment. Thanks to funding from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), ODE is proud to offer the Lead in Water Remediation Grant to help School Districts, Education Service Districts (ESDs), and Charter Schools cover the costs of remediating drinking water fixtures with elevated levels of lead.
Need Assistance?
Do you need help with lead in water testing or remediation? Our team is here to help! Reach us:
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By email:
ODE.WaterTesting@ode.oregon.gov,
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By phone: (971)-446-3687 - Shakira Mahzabeen, Lead in Water Remediation Coordinator, or
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Sign up for our Healthy and Safe Schools Office Hours, held every 1st and 3rd Wednesday at 11 am.
Grant Overview
Grant Details
Lead exposure poses serious health risks, especially for younger children. The purpose of the grant is to help cover the remediation expenses incurred by districts, charter schools, and ESDs. The grant will prioritize facilities serving elementary-aged students to ensure that Oregon’s youngest learners are protected where it matters most: at school.
Eligible material costs include, but are not limited to:
- Removal and replacement of fixtures (e.g., faucets, water fountains, and related components)
- Replacement of shutoff valves
- Installation or replacement of filtered hydration stations (with certified Point-of-Use [POU] devices that remove lead)
Note: Recipients must provide a periodic maintenance plan and related documentation - Other approved lead reduction or removal activities outlined in the facility’s work plan
Eligible labor cost include:
- In-house labor cost- Districts need to send their timesheet and hourly wage rate
- Third party contractor labor fee - District need to submit the contractor receipt
Grant awards are based on the number of schools within a district, as defined in the current testing schedule:
- Up to $5,000 – School districts with 1–3 schools and charter schools
- Up to $10,000 – School districts with 4–6 schools and ESDs
- Up to $15,000 – School districts with 7 or more schools.
The grant will prioritize facilities serving elementary-aged students to ensure that Oregon’s youngest learners are protected where it matters most: at school. Also, the grant will prioritize districts, ESDs and charter schools based on the income level of the district/respective districts. A third priority factor is the age of the buildings.
Note: Check the FAQ section for detail priority score breakdown.
To request reimbursement, please submit a complete reimbursement package that includes:
- A filled-out reporting form
- Receipts
- Invoices
Email your package to: ODE.WaterTesting@ode.oregon.gov
For questions or additional information, please contact the Lead in Water Program Team.
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