Lead Test Results
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Lead testing was performed throughout all District buildings in 2016 based on guidance issued by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on water testing in schools. Water outlets at that time that exceeded the maximum recommended threshold of 15 parts per billion (ppb) were remediated or removed from service.
In the spring of 2021, the District retested water outlets at all schools for lead, focusing on internal plumbing and fixtures, in accordance with the new New York State Department of Health Testing in School Drinking Water Program Guidance Manual. We would like to provide some background on our current actions, share the results of the more recent water sampling tests throughout the District and give an overview of our next steps.
Veolia Water, which was formerly SUEZ Water, is the District’s water supplier and supplies water to most of the homes in our community. Pursuant to discussions with the Rockland County Department of Health, there is no indication that this source of water contributes to lead levels within our schools.
Please note that since March 13, 2020, the District has undertaken a number of COVID-19 Mitigation actions that have resulted in the reduced use or lack of use of several water outlets throughout the District:
- March 2020-September 2020 / No students and staff at school buildings
- September 29, 2020-June 24, 2020
- All water fountains closed for the entirety of 2020-2021 and 2021-2022 school years
- Bathroom sinks taken out of use to enable social distancing for the entirety of 2020-2021 school year
For the 2022-2023 school year, water sources taken offline for COVID-19 have now been tested and returned to service.
To facilitate the test program, the District continued engagement with Adelaide Environmental Health Associates, Inc., who performed lead testing in 2016, and is a leading expert in water quality testing. Adelaide assisted the District in developing the plan, and implemented all testing using an environmental laboratory certified by the NYSDOH Environmental Laboratory Approval Program (ELAP).
Key components of the District’s plan:
- Determine the Scope - Sample testing in all school buildings
- Identify Sampling Locations - based on NYSDOH Lead Testing in School Drinking Water Program Guidance Manual
- Sample all drinking fountains; kitchen sinks; classroom combination sinks and drinking fountains; home economic room sinks; teacher's lounge sinks; nurse's office sinks; classroom sinks in special education classrooms; bathroom sinks; and any water source known to be or visibly used for consumption (for example, coffee maker or cups are nearby)
- Identify Testing Protocol - “first draw” samples, which are designed to represent a reasonable “worst case” for potential exposure to lead
- Identify and put in place corrective action plans for any water outlet that does not meet the NYSDOH recommended standard, which is a lead level above 15 ppb
Results
As a result of the above process, a number of water outlets throughout the District were identified for “first draw” testing. Sampling took place on several days in 2021 and 2022. The water outlets that exceeded the 15 ppb standard are listed by school in the dropdown menus below, along with school-specific remediation efforts and final results.
Sinks will continue to be labeled with signs stating, “Do Not Drink from Sink.” All water fountains following the 2016 testing tested within acceptable levels.
Water Outlets Exceeding 15ppb Standard
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Bardonia Elementary
Sampling took place on May 1, 2021, March 25, 2022 and June 16, 2022. A total of 83 water outlets were tested, and 79 were clear. The outlets that exceeded the 15 ppb standard, and required remedial efforts, are listed below.
- BAR-02: Kitchen Wall 1 Sink 1 Faucet 2 (Right Faucet) - 24.1 ppb
- BAR-45: Classroom 300 Wall 3 Water Fountain - 21.6 ppb
- BAR-21: Classroom 107 Wall 3 Sink - 16.2 ppb
- BAR-51: Classroom 309 Wall 2 Water Fountain - 18.5 ppb
Following remedial actions on the 4 outlets, 3 were cleared. The outlet that continued to exceed the 15 ppb standard is listed below. This outlet is a sink faucet and will remain available for hand-washing purposes only.
- BAR-21: Classroom 107 Wall 3 Sink - 30.0 ppb
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Birchwood Elementary
Sampling took place on May 1, 2021, March 31, 2022 and June 16, 2022. A total of 28 water outlets were tested, and 27 were clear. The outlet that exceeded the 15 ppb standard, and required remedial efforts, is listed below.
- BWD-09: 1st Floor, Room 103, Wall 1 Water Fountain - 41.5 ppb
The aforementioned outlet has been remediated and was retested with a favorable result. No further actions are required.
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Lakewood Elementary
Sampling took place on May 1, 2021, March 15, 2022 and June 9, 2022. A total of 71 water outlets were tested, and 54 were clear. The outlets that exceeded the 15 ppb standard, and required remedial efforts, are listed below.
- LW-11: Music Room, Wall 4 Sink - 18.4 ppb
- LW-23: Classroom 108, Wall 1 Sink - 22.6 ppb
- LW-31: Staff Bathroom by Room 214, Wall 2 Sink - 215.0 ppb
- LW-44: Ground Level, Classroom 219, Wall 1 Water Fountain - 18.1 ppb
- LW-45: Ground Level, Classroom 217, Wall 1 Water Fountain - 16.2 ppb
- LW-48: Ground Level, Hallway, Wall 3 Water Fountain - 423.0 ppb
- LW-50: Ground Level, Classroom 203, Wall 1 Water Fountain - 21.0 ppb
- LW-52: 1st Floor, Library Office, Wall 3 Sink - 19.3 ppb
- LW-54: 1st Floor, Classroom 114, Wall 1 Water Fountain - 159.0 ppb
- LW-55: 1st Floor, Classroom 117, Wall 1 Water Fountain - 17.0 ppb
- LW-56: 1st Floor, Classroom 112, Wall 1 Water Fountain - 169.0 ppb
- LW-58: 1st Floor, Classroom 110, Wall 1 Water Fountain - 31.1 ppb
- LW-59: 1st Floor, Classroom 113, Wall 1 Water Fountain - 55.9 ppb
- LW-64: 1st Floor, Classroom 108, Wall 1 Water Fountain - 42.7 ppb
- LW-68: 1st Floor, Classroom 104, Wall 1 Water Fountain - 83.1 ppb
- LW-70: 1st Floor, Classroom 101, Wall 1 Water Fountain 19.7 ppb
- LW-71: 1st Floor, Classroom 102, Wall 1 Water Fountain - 15.9 ppb
All aforementioned outlets have been remediated and were retested with favorable results. No further actions are required.
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Laurel Plains Elementary
Sampling took place on May 1, 2021, March 11, 2022, March 30, 2022 and June 16, 2022. A total of 95 water outlets were tested, and 93 were clear. The outlets that exceeded the 15 ppb standard, and required remedial efforts, are listed below.
- LP-36: 1st Floor, Conference Room, Wall 1 Sink 1 - 19.2 ppb
- LP-97: 1st Floor, Room 13, Wall 2 Water Fountain - 28.4 ppb
Both outlets have been remediated and were retested with favorable results. No further actions are required.
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Link Elementary
Sampling took place on May 1, 2021, March 22, 2022 and May 19, 2022. A total of 68 water outlets were tested, and 58 were clear. The outlets that exceeded the 15 ppb standard, and required remedial efforts, are listed below.
- LES-16: 1st Floor, Classroom 115, Wall 1 Water Fountain - 30.3 ppb
- LES-19: 1st Floor, Classroom 114, Wall 1 Water Fountain - 16.8 ppb
- LES-22: 1st Floor, Classroom 112B, Wall 1 Water Fountain - 38.4 ppb
- LES-29: 1st Floor, Classroom 101, Wall 1 Water Fountain - 125.0 ppb
- LES-30: 1st Floor, Classroom 102, Wall 1 Water Fountain - 57.6 ppb
- LES-35: 1st Floor, Library Office, Wall 3 Sink 1 - 34.1 ppb
- LES-36: 1st Floor, Classroom 104, Wall 1 Water Fountain - 541.0 ppb
- LES-38: 1st Floor, Classroom 105, Wall 1 Water Fountain - 49.9 ppb
- LES-45: 1st Floor, Classroom 109, Wall 1 Water Fountain - 776.0 ppb
- LES-47: 1st Floor, Classroom 110, Wall 1 Water Fountain - 259.0 ppb
Following remediation efforts, the aforementioned outlets were retested, and 8 were cleared. The 2 outlets that continued to exceed the 15 ppb standard are listed below. They have been taken out of use pending further review and action.
- LES-38: 1st Floor, Classroom 105, Wall 1 Water Fountain - 16.1 ppb
- LES-47: 1st Floor, Classroom 110, Wall 1 Water Fountain - 21.9 ppb
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Little Tor Elementary
Sampling took place on May 1, 2021, March 24, 2022 and June 10, 2022. A total of 64 water outlets were tested, and 51 were clear. The outlets that exceeded the 15 ppb standard, and required remedial efforts, are listed below.
- LT-11: Space 1020, Men’s Bathroom, Wall 4 Sink 1 - 17.5 ppb
- LT-36:Space 1043, Library Bathroom, Wall 2 Sink 1 - 38.6 ppb
- LT-41: Space 1050, Room 9, Wall 4 Sink 1 - 15.8 ppb
- LT-48: Exterior near Space 1003, Faucet 1 - 180.0 ppb
- LT-49: Exterior near Space 1001, Faucet 2 - 202.0 ppb
- LT-50: Exterior near Space 1044, Faucet 4 - 24.1 ppb
- LT-51: Cafeteria, Wall 3 Water Fountain - 36.6 ppb
- LT-55: Room 16, Wall 2 Water Fountain - 27.1 ppb
- LT-58: Room 12, Wall 4 Water Fountain - 23.4 ppb
- LT-61: Room 5, Wall 4 Water Fountain - 22.3 ppb
- LT-62: Room 6, Wall 2 Water Fountain - 21.1 ppb
- LT-66: Room 4, Wall 4 Water Fountain - 17.3 ppb
- LT-68: Room K2, Wall 4 Water Fountain - 17.7 ppb
Following remediation efforts, the aforementioned outlets were retested, and 12 were cleared. The outlet that continued to exceed the 15 ppb standard is listed below. This outlet has been taken offline pending further review and action.
- LT-58: Room 12, Wall 4 Water Fountain - 40.1 ppb
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New City Elementary
Sampling took place on May 1, 2021, March 8, 2022 and June 9, 2022. A total of 98 water outlets were tested, and 96 were clear. The outlets that exceeded the 15 ppb standard, and required remedial efforts, are listed below.
- NC-05: First Floor Men’s Bathroom, Wall 2 Sink 1 - 25.4 ppb
- NC-66: First Floor Classroom 107, Wall 3 Water Fountain - 29.9 ppb
Both outlets have been remediated and were retested with favorable results. No further actions are required.
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Strawtown Elementary
Sampling took place on May 1, 2021, March 31, 2022 and June 16, 2022. A total of 69 water outlets were tested, and 53 were clear. The outlets that exceeded the 15 ppb standard, and required remedial efforts, are listed below.
- ST-20: 1st Floor Room 107 Wall 1 Sink - 20.1 ppb
- ST-41: Exterior O/S Room 106 Faucet - 228 ppb
- ST-42: Exterior O/S Room 101 Faucet - 3620 ppb
- ST-43: Exterior O/S Room 121 Faucet - 387 ppb
- ST-44: Exterior O/S Room 115 Faucet - 48.3 ppb
- ST-45: Exterior O/S Boiler Room Faucet - 22.7 ppb
- ST-46: Exterior O/S Room 149 Faucet - 72.3 ppb
- ST-52: Classroom 103 / Wall 1 Water Fountain - 21.9 ppb
- ST-53: Classroom 102 / Wall 1 Water Fountain - 22.5 ppb
- ST-57: Classroom 218 / Wall 1 Water Fountain - 27.4 ppb
- ST-58: Classroom 212 / Wall 1 Water Fountain - 47.1 ppb
- ST-59: Classroom 217 / Wall 1 Water Fountain - 20.6 ppb
- ST-61: Classroom 216 / Wall 1 Water Fountain - 32.7 ppb
- ST-63: Hallway by Room 208 / Wall 1 Water Fountain - 31.4 ppb
- ST-64: Classroom 208 / Wall 1 Water Fountain - 18.5 ppb
- ST-66: Classroom 202 / Wall 1 Water Fountain - 19.9 ppb
All aforementioned outlets have been remediated and were retested with favorable results. No further actions are required.
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West Nyack Elementary
Sampling took place on May 1, 2021, April 1, 2022 and June 16, 2022. A total of 73 water outlets were tested, and 66 were clear. The outlets that exceeded the 15 ppb standard, and required remedial efforts, are listed below.
- WN-06: 1st Floor, Cafeteria, Wall 4 Fountain - 99.7 ppb
- WN-19: 1st Floor, Room 128, Wall 3 Fountain - 21.7 ppb
- WN-25: 1st Floor, Room 131, Wall 3 Fountain - 27.1 ppb
- WN-28: 1st Floor, Room 133, Wall 4 Sink - 18.6 ppb
- WN-30: 1st Floor, Room 134, Wall 2 Sink - 77.7 ppb
- WN-36: 1st Floor, Art Room, Wall 2 Fountain - 21.7 ppb
- WN-72: 1st Floor, By Nurse’s Office, Wall 2 Fountain - 110.0 ppb
All aforementioned outlets have been remediated and were retested with favorable results. No further actions are required.
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Woodglen Elementary
Sampling took place on May 1, 2021, March 23, 2022 and June 10, 2022. A total of 76 water outlets were tested, and 61 were clear. The outlets that exceeded the 15 ppb standard, and required remedial efforts, are listed below.
- WD-39: Ground Floor, Room 250, Bathroom Wall 2 Sink - 16.8 ppb
- WD-20: 1st Floor, Dr. Strayton, Wall 2 Sink - 22.5 ppb
- WD-24: 1st Floor, Room 131, Bathroom Wall 4 Sink - 16.3 ppb
- WD-48: Ground Floor, Room 255, Wall 1 Water Fountain, Bubbler - 23.5 ppb
- WD-51: Ground Floor, Room 252, Wall 1 Water Fountain, Bubbler - 15.6 ppb
- WD-52: Ground Floor, Room 241, Wall 1 Water Fountain, Bubbler - 17.1 ppb
- WD-55: Ground Floor, Room 244, Wall 1 Water Fountain, Bubbler - 35.3 ppb
- WD-56: 1st Floor, Room 125, Wall 1 Water Fountain, Bubbler - 185.0 ppb
- WD-57: 1st Floor, Room 134, Wall 1 Water Fountain, Bubbler - 17.9 ppb
- WD-58: 1st Floor, Room 133, Wall 1 Water Fountain, Bubbler - 29.0 ppb
- WD-60: 1st Floor, Room 123, Wall 1 Water Fountain, Bubbler - 21.8 ppb
- WD-61: 1st Floor, Room 122, Wall 1 Water Fountain, Bubbler - 130.0 ppb
- WD-62: 1st Floor, Cafeteria, Wall 1 Water Fountain, Left Bubbler - 24.2 ppb
- WD-63: 1st Floor, Cafeteria, Wall 1 Water Fountain, Right Bubbler - 87.3 ppb
- WD-75: 1st Floor, Room 132, Wall 1 Water Fountain, Bubbler - 88.4 ppb
Following remediation efforts, the aforementioned outlets were retested, and 13 were cleared. The 2 outlets that continued to exceed the 15 ppb standard are listed below. They have been taken offline pending further review and action.
- WD-48: Ground Floor, Room 255, Wall 1 Water Fountain - 28.8 ppb
- WD-58: 1st Floor, Room 133, Wall 1 Water Fountain - 26.5 ppb
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Felix Festa Middle School
Sampling took place on May 8, 2021, November 11, 2021, September 9, 2022 and September 13, 2022. A total of 205 water outlets were tested, and 187 were clear. The outlets that exceeded the 15 ppb standard, and required remedial efforts, are listed below.
- A Wing
- FFA-08: A Wing, 1st Floor, Hallway by School Psychologist Water Fountain - 45.1 ppb
- B Wing
- FFB-11: B Wing, 1st Floor, Cafeteria, Behind Counter, Wall 1 Sink 1 - 31.1 ppb
- FFB-17: B Wing, 1st Floor, 2nd Cafeteria, Wall 1 Water Fountain 1 (Right) - 39.7 ppb
- FFB-18: B Wing, 1st Floor, 2nd Cafeteria, Wall 1 Water Fountain 1 (Left) - 36.5 ppb
- FFB-19: B Wing, 1st Floor, B106, Wall 4 Water Fountain 1 - 62.6 ppb
- FFB-22: B Wing, 1st Floor, B105, Wall 3 Water Fountain 1 - 15.6 ppb
- FFB-40: B Wing, 1st Floor, Space 1043, Wall 3 Sink 1 - 137 ppb
- FFB-67: B Wing, 1st Floor, Girls Locker Room, Trainer Room, Wall 2 Sink 1 - 46.1 ppb
- C Wing
- FFC-17: C Wing, 1st Floor, Main Office, Work Room C, Wall 2 Sink - 15.4 ppb
- D Wing
- FFD-10: D Wing, 1st Floor, Boys Bathroom, Wall 2 Sink 1 - 15.9 ppb
- FFD-16: D Wing, 2nd Floor, Hallway, Wall 2 Water Fountain - 20.9 ppb
- FFD-17: D Wing, 2nd Floor, Hallway, Wall 2 Water Fountain - 116 ppb
- FFD-18: D Wing, 2nd Floor, Girls Bathroom, Wall 4 Sink 1 - 16.8 ppb
- FFD-19: D Wing, 2nd Floor, Girls Bathroom, Wall 4 Sink 2 - 17.4 ppb
- FFD-20: D Wing, 2nd Floor, Girls Bathroom, Wall 4 Sink 3 - 230 ppb
- E Wing
- FFE-02: E Wing, 1st Floor, E102, Wall 1 Water Fountain - 52.3 ppb
- FFE-03: E Wing, 1st Floor, Girls Bathroom, Wall 3 Sink 1 - 19.1 ppb
- FFE-21: E Wing, Ground Floor, Boys Instructor 3 Bathroom, Wall 3 Sink - 21.5 ppb
All aforementioned outlets have been remediated and were retested with favorable results. No further actions are required.
- A Wing
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Clarkstown High School North
NHS-06- Basement Kitchen Wall 1 (Center) Sink 3 - 15.8 ppb
NHS-07- Basement Kitchen Wall 4 Sink 4 - 15.1 ppb
NHS-29- 1st Floor Main Office Hallway Fountain - 110.0 ppb
NHS-31- 1st Floor Room 186 Wall 4 Sink 1 - 16.4 ppb
NHS-39- 1st Floor Lab Wall 4 Sink 1 (Right) - 47.5 ppb
NHS-42- 1st Floor Room 148B Wall 4 Sink 1 (Right) - 57.7 ppb
NHS-44- 1st Floor Room 148A Wall 1 Sink 1(Middle) - 23.2 ppb
NHS-45- 1st Floor Room 148A Wall 1 Sink 1 (Right) - 55.2 ppb
NHS-56- 2nd Floor Boy’s Room Wall 2 Sink 1 - 256.0 ppb
NHS-57- 2nd Floor Boy’s Room Wall 2 Sink 2 - 55.4 ppb
NHS-67- 2nd Floor Mansion Bathroom Wall 4 Sink 2 - 38.6 ppb
NHS ANNEX-11- 1st Floor Kitchen Wall 3 Hose Bib - 703.0 ppb
NHS ANNEX-25- 1st Floor Classroom 504 Wall 2 Sink 1 Faucet 2 - 44.6 ppb
NHS ANNEX-26- 1st Floor Classroom 504 Wall 2 Sink 1 Faucet 3 - 59.2 ppb
NHS ANNEX-31- 1st Floor Classroom 503 Wall 1 Sink 1 Faucet 1 - 31.1 ppb
NHS ANNEX-34- 1st Floor Classroom 503 Wall 1 Sink 2 Faucet 2 - 22.0 ppb
NHS ANNEX-40- 2nd Floor Men’s Bathroom Wall 4 Sink 1 - 15.9 ppb
NHS ANNEX-59- Lower Level Hallway Wall 1 Water Fountain Bubbler - 54.8 ppb
NHS ANNEX-60- Lower Level Women’s Staff Bathroom Wall 4 Sink 1 - 131.0 ppb
NHS ANNEX-62- Lower Level Women’s Staff Bathroom Wall 4 Sink 3 - 15.9 ppb
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Clarkstown High School South
1-SHS-08 1st Floor/Auditorium/Girl’s Dressing Room/Wall 3 Sink 1 - 30.6 ppb
1-SHS-11 1st Floor/Auditorium/Boy’s Dressing Room/Wall 3 Sink 1 - 60.9 ppb
1-SHS-23 1st Floor/Girl’s Locker Room/Wall 1 Sink 2 - 38.5 ppb
1-SHS-62 2nd Floor/Additional Bathroom in Women’s/Wall 3 Sink 1 - 22.2 ppb
1-SHS-65 2nd Floor/Women’s Bathroom/Wall 2 Sink 3 - 20.6 ppb
1-SHS-66 2nd Floor/Women’s Bathroom/Wall 2 Sink 4 - 23.3 ppb
1-SHS-74 3rd Floor/Men’s Bathroom/Wall 2 Sink 3 - 23.0 ppb
1-SHS-78 3rd Floor/Women’s Bathroom/Wall 2 Sink 2 - 18.0 ppb
1-SHS-79 3rd Floor/Women’s Bathroom/Wall 2 Sink 3 - 22.3 ppb
1-SHS-80 3rd Floor/Women’s Bathroom/Wall 2 Sink 4 - 82.7 ppb
2-SHS-19 1st Floor/Room 145/Wall 1 Sink 1 - 57.6 ppb
2-SHS-20 1st Floor/Room 145/Wall 1 Sink 2 - 15.3 ppb
2-SHS-26 1st Floor/Men’s Faculty Bathroom/Wall 2 Sink 2 - 17.1 ppb
2-SHS-46 1st Floor/Kitchen/Wall 1 Pot Filler 1 - 72.0 ppb