Lead Testing
Standard Lead Testing Results
2024
Shenendehowa Central School District recently took part in standard lead testing surveillance pursuant to NYS Department of Health Regulations. Prior to this series of testing, the time period was every five years; it is now every three years. Through this testing, we identified water outlets, primarily hand washing sinks, and some fountains that are not in active use, which exceeded the newly regulated 5 parts per billion (ppb) lead limit (previously 15pbb). We do this testing not just to follow regulations but to identify outlets that need remediation. The safety of students, staff, and occupants of school buildings is a top priority, and water safety is at the top of that list.
After receiving the test reports, we took immediate action to begin remediation where necessary, as outlined in the NYSDOH Regulations. We placed clear signs at all water outlets (hand washing sinks) that should not be used for drinking purposes, initiated targeted testing at problematic outlets to pinpoint the source of the issue, and removed sinks that are no longer actively used. We will continue to investigate all sinks, changing out older faucets or pipes as needed, looking to eliminate any traces of lead, and retesting to ensure that remediation was successful. Appropriate signage stating “not for drinking, use for hand washing only” has been posted where needed and will remain displayed.
It is vitally important to note that drinking fountains that are available and used by students tested below 5ppb. In 2020, as a result of COVID, the district stopped using and/or disabled water fountains within classrooms. As a result, we installed filtered water bottle filling stations in each of our schools. The filtered water bottle stations were all tested and are safe for consumption. Per regulation, the water fountains that are no longer in use were still included in the testing pool. All of these remaining classroom fountains are slated to be removed altogether, and more filtered water bottle-filling stations are in the process of being added to each school for greater access.
At Shen, we prioritize the health and safety of our students. We are actively working to investigate water outlets that tested above the actionable level. The actions we are taking include
- determining appropriate initial remediation for each water outlet,
- re-testing water outlets where fixtures have been installed or replaced,
- testing of additional water sources as part of the investigative process,
- reviewing the availability of and increasing the number of filtered water fountains in school buildings
- reviewing preventative maintenance schedules for filtered water stations,
- working with New York State Department of Health and Saratoga County Department of Health
We are also reviewing Shen’s testing processes, communication methods, and remediation steps with multiple stakeholders within the district and external partners. This collaborative approach helps ensure we are taking all necessary steps to address the issue and prevent any future occurrences.
A comprehensive presentation was made at the 5/7/24 Board Meeting, addressing questions and concerns in detail. A copy of that presentation can be found at this link. A recording of the 5/7/2024 Board meeting can be found HERE.
2024 Remediation Steps By School (updated file added November 2024)
Below are samples that returned with levels of lead above the new 5 ppb regulation level (previously 15ppb):
Acadia
Arongen
Chango
Gowana
HSE
HSW
Karigon
Koda
Okte
Orenda
Shatekon
*Shatekon had no areas that tested over the 5ppb level.
Skano
Tesago
The areas out of compliance are largely sinks in classrooms used primarily for hand washing or cleaning up after class projects– Not for drinking, consumption. The following two points are also critical to know:
-
We have filtered water bottle filling stations for students to access.
-
In kitchens where a faucet is out of compliance, water is brought in for the purpose of washing vegetables or items that may be consumed.
Additional Resource Regarding Lead Testing at Schools:
Lead Testing of School Drinking Water – NYS
2020
