9/8/2016
New NY law requires all schools to test water for lead | syracuse.com
New NY law requires all schools to test water for
lead
By James T. Mulder | [email protected] Follow on Twitter on September 07, 2016 at 10:00 AM, updated September 07, 2016 at 10:19 AM
SYRACUSE, N.Y. ‑‑ Gov. Andrew Cuomo has signed a law mandating that schools across the state test drinking water for lead
contamination.
Lead is a toxic material that is extremely harmful to young children and can result in lowered IQ, behavioral problems and brain
damage.
The state Health Department also issued emergency regulations as part of the new law requiring schools to test their water for
lead contamination by Oct. 31 and report results to parents, the state and local government officials.
Previously, schools in New York were not required to test their drinking water for lead, or notify parents or government officials of
results. Testing was voluntary and administered by the federal Environmental Protection Agency.
By Sept. 30 all school buildings serving children in pre‑kindergarten through grade five must collect a sample from each identified
sampling location for testing. Any schools serving children in grades six through twelve that are not also serving children in
younger grades must complete collection of samples by Oct. 31.
If lead levels are detected above 15 parts per billion at any potable water outlet, the school must discontinue use of that outlet,
implement a lead remediation plan to fix the problem and provide building occupants with an adequate alternate supply of water
for cooking and drinking.
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9/8/2016
New NY law requires all schools to test water for lead | syracuse.com
Schools will be required to collect samples every five years, at a minimum, after the initial testing or at a time determined by the
Commissioner of Health.
Contact James T. Mulder anytime: Email | Twitter | 315‑470‑2245
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