School and Child Care Facility Program Application and Process
Program Information, Application Forms, Results, and Remediation Assistance
Overview
The Lead Testing is Schools and Child Care Facilities Drinking Water (LWSC) Program is a voluntary program started by Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) in response to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)’s 3Ts program. The 3T’s program aims to assist schools and child care facilities in the removal of lead from drinking water.
EPA’s 3Ts for Reducing Lead in Drinking Water
Program Benefits
- Free Sampling and Testing: All sampling materials and testing of samples by an accredited lab are provided through DEQ and partner agencies.
- Remediation Planning and Implementation: If lead is found, DEQ will assist the facility in creating and implementing a remediation plan appropriate to the facility.
- Monetary Assistance: Through DEQ’s Site Cleanup Assistance Program (SCAP) facilities that are identified as having significant lead impact may be reimbursed for the replacement of plumbing or plumbing fixtures.
CLICK ON THE STEPS BELOW TO FIND APPLICATION RESOURCES AND FURTHER PROGRAM INFORMATION
The process begins here, with an application to the program, the development of a communication plan, and assignment of roles and responsibilities for you and your staff. Once your application has been accepted, you will receive a communication plan template in your welcome packet or get started with the one below.
Before sampling can begin, a DEQ representative will conduct a walkthrough of your facility to identify and create an inventory of all sinks and fountains that could be used for consumption. As part of the inventory, a plumbing profile and code system will be created for your facility.
After the inventory, a sampling kit is organized and a sampling event will be set up to take place early in the morning, before your facility has opened. It is important that the water has sat for at least 8 hours but no more than 18 hours before a sample is taken to get accurate results. Discuss this step with your DEQ representative if you have questions or concerns about testing dates and times.
Once complete, the samples are sent to an accredited laboratory for testing. After lab analysis results will be available in no more than 30 days. You will be notified by a DEQ representative as soon as your results are available.
Based on you facility’s sample results, you will work with a DEQ representative to create an appropriate remediation and replacement plan. If your facility is identified as having a significant lead impact, you may qualify for reimbursement for the replacement of plumbing and plumbing fixtures. Re-sampling will take place after complete implementation of the remediation and replacement plan. All test results will then be posted on DEQ’s website.
When a facility completes all steps of the program they will receive a certificate that acknowledges their participation and efforts to provide lead-free drinking water to students and staff. However, there are actions and activities facilities can continue to take to protect and educate. Participants are also welcome to reach out to their DEQ representative at any time with questions or comments.
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