Report: Oregon improves handling of lead in school drinking water

March 2019

Oregon’s regulations on lead in drinking water at schools and daycares have improved significantly in the last two years, according to a new national report released this month.

Two advocacy groups that conduct the biannual analysis awarded Oregon a “C+” this year, up from an “F” in 2017. The Environment America Research & Policy Center and U.S. Public Interest Research Group Education Fund based the grades on their review of regulations in 31 states and the District of Columbia.

Oregon’s rising grade is largely thanks to the state’s new mandates for schools and daycares to test for lead in their drinking water, which took effect last year. Schools must also share with the public both their test results and any work they have done to remove lead from drinking water.