California Drinking Water for Schools Program

Technical assistance provider: agua4all@rcac.org

California Water Boards staff:

Matt Pavelchik
Matthew.Pavelchik@waterboards.ca.gov

Ravi Jawanda
Ravinder.Jawanda@waterboards.ca.gov

The California Drinking Water for Schools Program provides funding and technical assistance for projects that improve drinking water quality and access on public school campuses and school-sponsored childcare facilities in small and disadvantaged communities in California. Priority is given to schools and childcare facilities with a current water quality impairment.

Eligible projects include, but are not limited to:

• Installation of Point-of-Entry (POE) Treatment Devices, or Point-of-Use (POU) Treatment Devices for water bottle filling stations, drinking fountains, and other fixtures that provide water for human consumption, including up to three years of: replacement filters, operation, and maintenance
• Installation, replacement, or repairs of drinking water fixtures and associated plumbing necessary to address lead contamination
• Provision of interim alternative water supplies for schools served by water systems in the process of implementing a permanent solution, including purchases of temporary transfer water, hauled water, and bottled water
• Installation or replacement of water bottle filling stations or drinking water fountains with or without treatment devices capable of removing contaminants present in the school's water supply

Eligible applicants are public K-12 schools, as well as preschool and day care facilities on public school property with a current water quality or access impairment. All projects must be located at schools within, or serving, a disadvantaged community.

Technical assistance and up to $100,000 in grant funding per school and up to $1,000,000 for local education agencies (LEAs).

Assistance may include:

• Direct grants to LEAs for project implementation
• Project implementation on behalf of LEAs, which may include reimbursement for work implemented by contractors, including Public Water Systems
• Technical Assistance with completing funding applications, overseeing and inspecting project installations, monitoring, as well as planning and conducting operations and maintenance
• Education and outreach for students and staff

Links to additional guidance and the application guidelines are available on the program website when applications are being accepted.

Applications will be accepted until April 30, 2022 or until all funding has been committed.