Back in September, a new law was enacted that requires public schools in New York to test all water outlets currently or potentially used for drinking or cooking purposes for lead levels.
In accordance with the law, the district conducted water testing at all buildings. C.T. Male Associates, an environmental services firm, collected the samples which were analyzed by a state-approved laboratory. Sampling of water outlets at all five elementary schools and the middle school was completed in September, and sampling at the high school was completed shortly thereafter in mid-October.
Elementary schools
Water testing results for the elementary schools were received by school officials on Oct. 14. All five elementary buildings have some water outlets with readings above the action level (15 parts per billion). [You may view the results by school, below]
By Oct. 17, all outlets exceeding the threshold had been taken off line (covered so they cannot be used) or labeled to be used for handwashing only.
Middle school
On Monday, Oct. 31, the district received the middle school’s water testing results, which includes 95 outlets throughout the building with readings above the action level. The majority of outlets exceeding the threshold are science lab sinks, as well as seven outlets used for drinking and cooking. [You may view the results by school, below]
- Four sinks in Family and Consumer Sciences (FACS) classrooms
- One drinking fountain
- Two steaming kettles (a piece of kitchen equipment that cooks large quantities of food using steam heat), which have not been used during the 2016-17 school year
As of Nov. 1, all outlets exceeding the threshold were taken offline or labeled for handwashing only. These outlets will not be used for drinking or cooking until follow-up test results indicate that lead levels are at or below the action level.
High school
On Tuesday, Nov. 29, the district received the high school’s water testing results, which includes 171 outlets throughout the building with readings above the action level. Like in the middle school, the majority of the outlets exceeding the threshold are science lab sinks. [You may view the results by school, below]
- 122 science classroom/lab sinks
- 38 bathroom/locker room sinks
- Seven classroom sinks
- Two fountains (already out of service)
- One kitchenette sink
- One small cafeteria sink
As of Dec. 1, all outlets exceeding the threshold have been taken offline or have been labeled for handwashing only. These outlets will not be used for drinking or cooking until follow-up test results indicate that lead levels are at or below the action level. At all times, the district will ensure that students and staff have an adequate supply of water for drinking and cooking. Under the guidance of the Department of Health, the district is working with its consultants to develop an appropriate remediation plan.
Updated 12/1
For specific school water testing results and questions related to water testing, contact Superintendent of School, Dr. Marie Wiles