On September 6, 2016, Governor Cuomo signed legislation making New York the first state in the nation to require all school districts to test potable water systems for lead contamination and to take responsive actions, if necessary. The New York State Department of Health regulations have defined a considerably higher standard for acceptable levels of lead than that previously defined by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), which was 20 parts per billion (ppb). Under this 2016 standard, an “action plan” must be developed for any outlet where lead levels are found to be above 15 parts per billion (ppb). An outlet is defined as any water supply (fountain, faucet, etc.) that is used, or may potentially be used, for drinking or cooking.

 

The Sherburne-Earlville Central School District has taken this new regulation seriously and contracted with engineering and environmental testing firms who specialize in this work. We have contracted with these professionals to ensure that only drinking outlets meeting this new high standard will be available to our students, staff and public. Outlets identified as exceeding the acceptable level have been taken out of operation and will remain out until remediated. The results of this required testing conducted at all sites within the District can be found in the links to the right.

Possible causes for not meeting the acceptable level may include:

School safety is paramount to the mission of the Sherburne-Earlville Central School District and we are committed to providing a safe, secure learning environment. A copy of our test results is available on our website at www.secsd.org, along with the required Lead Remediation Plan. Should you have questions, please contact the District Office at 607-674-7300.