Legislation was passed in 2016 requiring all school districts in New York State to test potable water systems for lead and to take responsive actions if lead is found in the water. The regulations require that lead not exceed 15 parts per billion (ppb) in the tested water, which is lower than the United States Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA's) acceptable lead level of 20 ppb.
In accordance with New York State regulations, testing was completed at all schools within the district as follows: Richard Mann Elementary was tested on February 11, 2021; Gananda Middle School was tested on February 5, 2021; and Ruben A. Cirillo High School was tested on February 4, 2021. The results of the tests were shared with the district on April 27, 2021 and are as follows:
- Richard Mann Elementary - Out of 113 outlets tested, 0 outlets exceeded the NYS ppb requirement.
- Gananda Middle School - Out of 64 outlets tested, 13 outlets exceeded the NYS ppb requirement.
- Ruben A. Cirillo High School - Out of 49 outlets tested, 2 outlets exceeded the NYS ppb requirement.
Of the 226 outlets tested in the district, a total of 15 outlets exceeded the NYS ppb requirements with 12 of those outlets being a hand or utility sink, one being a spray disposal, and two outlets residing in kitchen areas which were used primarily for garbage disposal and large equipment..
Due to the results of this test, Gananda CSD has taken the following immediate actions:
- Signs stating “Hand washing only, not for drinking or cooking use” have been posted at affected hand or janitorial sinks.
- Water sources have been turned off when possible
All water outlets exceeding the New York State ppb requirement of 15 ppm will either have fixtures replaced and/or have piping repairs completed as remediation actions needed to address the first draw results.