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Lead in Water Remediation Grant

Updated: 10.20.25

  • 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 Remediation Grant to support School Districts, Education Service Districts (ESDs), and Charter Schools in covering the costs of remediating drinking water fixtures with elevated levels of lead.

    For reimbursement, send the reimbursement package that includes filed-out reporting form, receipts and invoices and send them to ODE.WaterTesting@ode.oregon.gov. For more information contact the lead in water program team.

    Office Hours Information

    Do you need help with lead in water testing or remediation?

    Sign up for our Healthy and Safe Schools Office Hours!

    Office Hours are held every 1st and 3rd Wednesday at 11 am.

    * 10/1/25 Office Hour has been released due to a scheduling conflict with an ODE all staff meeting.
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The remediation grant process flow chart starts with the completion of the initial tests, any fixtures above the exceeding level should be then remediated. After the remediation is complete, the final tests are performed. After that, the final documents are sent to ODE, Grant Agreements are signed by the grantee, and the reimbursement is complete once the funds are claimed.  

See the dropdowns below for additional grant information:

​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 

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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. 


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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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