In September 2016, a state law went into effect that requires all public school districts in New York to test water for lead. The law requires school districts to sample all water outlets currently or potentially used for drinking or cooking purposes in buildings that may be occupied by students and to submit those samples to a state-approved lab for analysis. Regulations call for testing to take place again in 2020 and every five years thereafter, unless the state Commissioner of Health requires testing sooner.
The state established an action level of 15 micrograms of lead per liter, typically referred to as “parts per billion (ppb).” If a sample from a water outlet exceeds this level, schools must take steps to prevent the use of the outlet for drinking or cooking purposes until it is remediated and follow-up testing confirms it is no longer above the action level.
School districts are required to report the results of all water testing to the state Department of Health, the State Education Department and the local health department, and to post the results—along with remediation plans, if required on this page.
Fall 2016: Results of water testing for WES
In accordance with the law, the Watervliet school district conducted water testing at both Watervliet Elementary School and Watervliet Jr./Sr. High School with the assistance of a state-approved laboratory. The district notified parents in writing about water quality testing that was performed in August before the new regulations had been established by the state. At that time, test results showed elevated lead levels in some samplings. The identified faucets were deactivated until further testing following state protocols could be completed.
The district has received the results of the most recent testing for WES, which show that of the 105 samples drawn, the majority of outlets tested below the actionable level. Three of the water sources, however, tested above the allowable 15 parts per billion, as per the new regulations:
- Room 131 drinking fountain, 47 ppb
- Room 114 hand-washing sink, 17.7 ppb
- Room 218 hand-washing sink, 147 ppb
View water testing results for WES (PDF)
The district immediately shut off water to the three affected outlets, and each has been marked “out of service, do not use.” The outlets in room 131 and room 114 were not in regular use and will be deactivated permanently. Additional testing will be performed on the sink in room 218 to identify what corrective action is needed, and a follow-up test will be conducted before that faucet can be placed back in service.
Fall 2016: water testing results for WJSHS
In accordance with the law, the district conducted water testing at both Watervliet Elementary School and Watervliet Jr./Sr. High School with the assistance of a state-approved laboratory. Previously, the district notified parents in writing about water quality testing that was performed in August before the new regulations had been established by the state. At that time, test results showed elevated lead levels in some samplings. The identified faucets were deactivated until further testing following state protocols could be completed.
The district has received the results of the most recent testing for WJSHS, which show that of the 75 samples drawn, the majority of outlets tested below the actionable level, including all drinking fountains. Eight water sources – seven bathroom sinks and a sink in the lower level concession area – however, did test above the allowable 15 parts per billion, as per the new regulations.
View water testing results for WJSHS (PDF)
Signs have been posted on the identified sinks indicating “hand washing only” as recommended by the NYSDOH, until remediation is completed.
Once the fixtures have been replaced, additional testing will be performed at these locations.
The district will continue to provide updates if any further testing or additional actions regarding water quality or remediation become necessary moving forward.
If you have questions or concerns about the test results, please contact the district office at (518) 629-3201.
For more information about lead levels and drinking water, visit the Environmental Protection Agency’s website.
If you are having trouble accessing the water testing results files above, please contact the district’s Communications Office at (518) 629-3236, or email jfrost@vlietschools.org and arrangements will be made to provide an electronic or hard copy of the document.