By now, you may have seen reports of water testing for lead in schools on the local news and wondered, “what’s happening at SGI?” We’ve been complying with the regulations and today, a letter will be mailed home to all of our families. In addition, the results of our testing are in from SES and CES and those are being posted to the district website today. We are expecting to receive the results of our testing at SMS, SHS, the Fieldhouse and the Concession Stand, within the next two weeks. Upon receipt of those results, we will post the reports on the District website and immediately begin the steps outlined in my letter to our families as follows:
Dear SGI Families:
To protect public health, New York State recently enacted a new law requiring that every school test their drinking water for lead. If lead is found at any water outlet at levels above 15 parts per billion (ppb), New York State requires action to be taken to reduce the lead. It is vital for schools to conduct these tests, as high levels of lead in drinking water can cause health problems.
The Springville-Griffith Institute Central School District tested all four of our school buildings, the concession stand, and the field house prior to the established deadlines in the new legislation. We received our results back from the laboratory testing company for Springville Elementary and Colden Elementary. You can find the full reports on our District website at http://www.springvillegi.org/. We expect the results of all of our testing within the next few weeks and will post the full reports for every building immediately on the website with the SES and CES reports. If you would like to read a copy of the report(s) in print, please let me know.
Our response actions are in place. First and foremost, the water sources found to be higher than allowable are marked “Do Not Drink” and use of that source is prohibited.Second, we have ensured that there is an adequate supply of potable water for drinking and cooking until remediation is performed. Third, we have reported the test results to the local health department and fourth, we are notifying families via this letter home. It is important to note that none of the sources will be put back into service and available for drinking and/or cooking, until the sources are fully mitigated and meet the New York State Department of Health Standards.
According to the New York State Education Department FAQ for School Buildings and Grounds Personnel – Lead in NYS Drinking Water, September 16, 2016, if an outlet has tested above the acceptable 15ppb the water can still be used for hand washing and cleaning. Lead is NOT absorbed through the skin only through ingesting. (http://www.p12.nysed.gov/facplan/LeadTestinginSchoolDrinkingWater.html) Remember that testing is of all water sources including bathroom sinks, outdoor hoses, and classroom sinks.
If you should have any questions or concerns, please feel free to call me at 716-592-3230.
Please know that the safety of our students and employees is always our #1 priority and concern. If you have any questions or concerns, please know that you can contact me, or any of our administrative team members.