A representative for Hacap Solutions told the Farmington School Board Oct. 6 that the nonprofit has grant funds available to reimburse the district up to $40,000 to replace fixtures and install bottle‑fill stations at Valley View Elementary as part of a state‑mandated lead remediation program.

Why it matters: Lead in drinking water is subject to state testing and remediation requirements; replacing fixtures and installing filtered bottle‑fill stations can reduce lead exposure for students and staff. The offer would cover equipment and fixture replacement at Valley View and could be extended to other district schools through similar reimbursement agreements.

Brian Bose, representing Hacap Solutions, said his team has been working with the district on required testing and interim measures, such as point‑of‑use filters and signage. Bose said the organization would provide funding on a reimbursement basis: the district must submit a W‑9, a purchase order and an invoice, and Hacap would provide funds to the district.

“We have $40,000 to reimburse the district to replace those,” Bose said, summarizing the Valley View proposal. He described the work at Valley View as primarily fixture replacements (faucets and bubbler components) rather than wholesale plumbing replacement because the school is a newer building and most lead risk is concentrated in fixtures.

Bose described additional, school‑specific plans for Henry Wilson and the high school: Henry Wilson may need filtered bottle‑fill stations and some kitchen fixture work; the high school plan should require less funding. He also said the program carries an educational component—presentations for students and staff and distribution of reusable bottles—and that Hacap would provide maintenance and sustainability plans for facilities staff.

Board members asked for time to digest the proposed memorandum of understanding and requested that Bose remain available during the public‑input portion of the meeting to field questions. Parents in the audience supported an informational session: Britney Wittick asked for a public briefing because she said parents received little follow‑up after the district’s initial lead notices and would like clarity about what drinking water options are safe for their children.

District staff noted existing bottle‑fill stations in the district: two at Henry Wilson and one at the high school; Valley View currently has standard drinking fountains and no bottle‑fill stations. Bose said the Valley View work is “ready to proceed” and that he could provide more detailed school‑by‑school proposals within a week or two.

No formal vote or contract was taken at the Oct. 6 meeting. The board asked for time to review the proposal and said administrators would return to the board with any proposed memorandum of understanding and cost details.