New Standards for Lead Levels in Drinking Water

The District is required to periodically conduct water tests for lead levels in the drinking water. Based on revisions to Public Health Law §1110, lead action levels have been reduced from 15 parts per billion (ppb) to 5 ppb. The District is now mandated to conduct additional water testing and post copies of the results and remediation plans on the District website.

Phase 1 of the testing was conducted on March 13, 2025. This phase included testing 79 corridor drinking fountains and ice machines at all schools. None were found to have readings above the new NYSDOH action level. 

Phase 2 was conducted in June. Testing encompassed all remaining (non-posted) applicable drinking water outlets in all schools. These tests determined and documented which applicable drinking water outlets require posting of non-potable signage, including showers, bathroom sinks, science sinks, art sinks, custodial sinks, external hose bibs, etc.

As expected, some existing water sources that previously "passed" now "failed" due to the lower requirement for the levels – from 15 ppb down to 5 ppb. The same can be said for new water sources that hadn't previously been tested and/or posted. The District will take action as required by public health law to comply with these new standards. 

The District has an obligation to provide drinking water within the revised guidelines and will ensure compliance in all areas where necessary. In all other areas, signs will be posted indicating that the water source is non-potable.