Drinking water lead testing reports

March 2021 water testing updates

In 2016, a law went into effect requiring testing of all school sources of water that are “currently used or potentially used for drinking or cooking purposes.”

School districts are required to report the results of all water testing to the state Department of Health, the state Education Department and the local health department, and to post the results – along with remediation plans, if required – on the official district website.

The school district has received results of recent testing conducted on a sampling of kitchen, bathroom and classroom sinks as follows:

  • Intermediate/Elementary School: Of the 140 sources tested on March 3, 2021, 16 were found to exceed the action level of 15 micrograms of lead per liter, typically referred to as “parts per billion (ppb),” as determined by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). According to the EPA, lead enters drinking water primarily from eroding materials that contain lead such as faucets, fittings and pipes.
  • Otisville Elementary: Of the 123 sources tested on March 3, 2021, five (5) were found to exceed the action level of 15 micrograms of lead per liter, typically referred to as “parts per billion (ppb).”
  • High School: Of the 64 sources tested  on March 4, 2021, two (2) were found to exceed the action level of 15 micrograms of lead per liter, typically referred to as “parts per billion (ppb).”

We believe these higher than normal levels are due to the school being vacant for consecutive months during the height of the pandemic, and then less populated for prolonged periods as hybrid learning resumed.

The district will flush the systems and then have the levels retested in the next few weeks. Below is a list of sources that exceeded the action level. All affected sources of water at these areas have been posted with “Do Not Drink” signs.

  • Middle School: Of the 63 sources tested on March 4, 2021, zero were found to exceed the action level of 15 micrograms of lead per liter, typically referred to as “parts per billion (ppb).”

As always, we are committed to maintaining a safe environment for all students and staff and will keep you apprised after retesting is conducted.

March 2021 Intermediate School/Elementary School Water Testing Report

March 2021 Otisville Elementary Water Testing Report

March 2021 High School Water Testing Report

March 2021 Middle School Water Testing Report

May 2021 Intermediate School/Elementary School Water Testing Report

May 2021 Otisville Elementary Water Testing Report

May 2021 High School Water Testing Report

August 2022 High School Water Testing Report

September 2022 High School Water Testing Report

Please note: If you are unable to read any of these documents and require a paper copy, please call the Minisink Valley Buildings & Grounds Office at 355-5229 for assistance. Thank you.  

Water testing for lead: Laboratory reports and legislation information

NYS Department of Health: Overview of lead testing in school drinking water

Lead testing in school drinking water at MV High School: Lab report

Lead testing on 2018 faucet replacements at MV High School: Lab report

Lead testing on 2019 bottle filler and water fountain by Room 201B at MV High School: Lab report

Lead testing in school drinking water at MV Middle School: Lab report

Lead testing report on 2018 faucet replacements at MV Middle School: Lab report

Lead testing in school drinking water at Otisville Elementary:Lab report

Lead testing in drinking water at MV Elementary and Intermediate schools: Lab report

September 2022 lead testing reports for new/additional fixtures at the high school

September 2022 Lead testing reports for new/additional fixtures at the high school

September 2022 lead testing reports for new/additional fixtures at the middle school

September 2022 lead testing reports for new/additional fixtures at the middle school

September 2022 lead testing reports for new/additional fixtures at the elementary school

Understanding new NYS regulations for school drinking water testing

Re-testing results of affected water sources: Laboratory reports

Elementary and Intermediate schools reports

Otisville Elementary report

Minisink Valley High School/Sept. 24 report