WATER TESTING

On Sept. 6, 2016, New York state became the first state in the nation to require all public schools and BOCES to test all sources of drinking water for lead. If a water outlet is found to have a lead level above the state’s “action level” of 15 parts per billion (ppb), a school district must:

  • take immediate steps to prohibit use of the outlet for drinking or cooking purposes;

  • implement a remediation plan; and

  • ensure that students and staff have an adequate supply of water for drinking and cooking in the meantime.

WHY ARE SCHOOL DISTRICTS TESTING FOR LEAD?

With heightened awareness of water quality issues around the country, New York adopted these water testing regulations to help ensure that children are protected from lead exposure while in school. According to the state Department of Health, lead is a common metal found in the environment, but it is also a toxic material that can be harmful if ingested or inhaled. Although the primary source of lead exposure for most children is lead-based paint, exposure can also come from drinking water as a result of the lead content of plumbing materials and source water. While federal law now restricts the amount of lead used in new plumbing materials, the corrosion of older plumbing and fixtures in many buildings can cause lead to enter drinking water.

WHERE WILL DISTRICTS TEST FOR LEAD?

Under the new state law, school districts must collect samples to be tested from every possible source of water used for drinking and cooking in any buildings that may be occupied by students. These outlets include, but may not be limited to, drinking fountains (both bubbler and water-cooler types), kitchen sinks, classroom combination sinks/drinking fountains, student restroom sinks and nurse’s office sinks. To comply with the regulations, water samples must be collected when water has been motionless for at least 8 hours but no more than 18 hours.

WHEN WILL I KNOW THE RESULTS OF WATER TESTING AT MY SCHOOL?

Once school districts receive the results, if any outlets exceed the action level, districts are required to notify all staff and parents/guardians in writing about the test results within 10 business days. Within six weeks of receiving the results, districts must post all results and any remediation plans on their websites.

WHAT HAPPENS IF THE LEAD LEVEL IN MY CHILD’S SCHOOL EXCEEDS THE “ACTION LEVEL”?

If test results show the lead concentration of water at an outlet exceeds the action level, schools must immediately prohibit the use of the outlet for drinking or cooking purposes and implement a remediation plan, under the guidance of the Department of Health, to address the issue. The outlet may not be used until follow-up test results indicate that lead levels are at or below the action level.

WHAT IF MY CHILD’S SCHOOL TESTED THE WATER BEFORE THE STATE LAW WAS PASSED?

Schools that conducted testing prior to the passage of the law can meet the requirements if their water sampling occurred after Jan. 1, 2015, and was in
full compliance with the procedures outlined in the regulations. Schools where sampling procedures substantially complied with the regulations can
apply to their local health department for a waiver. Regardless of prior testing, public reporting and parent/staff notification requirements remain. South Glens Falls does not have any buildings in this category.

ARE SCHOOLS REQUIRED TO TEST FOR LEAD IN THE FUTURE?

Schools were required to conduct water testing again in 2020 and every five years thereafter, or sooner if required by the state Commissioner of Health. The 2020 requirement was extended as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

RESULTS