Research group report says New York’s “test and fix” approach to lead contamination in school water is inadequate

JEFFERSON & LEWIS COUNTIES- Jefferson, Lewis and St. Lawrence Counties are currently showing some of the highest rates of elevated lead contamination levels in school drinking water in New York, according to a new report published by New York’s Interest Research Group.

***Read the entire report here***

This study was thanks to a partnership with Environment America and the Frontier Group.

The report suggests that approximately 42% of school across New York face issues with proper lead detection systems for their drinking water.

However, it is important to note that New York State executes a very tight lead action level of 5-parts-per-billion for school drinking water outlets.

To compare, the federal standard is 15-ppb.

Exposure to lead poses significant developmental risks for young children, according to numerous health experts.

Despite the alarming statistics cited in the group’s findings, the Jefferson-Lewis BOCES District is defending the way they handle their drinking water systems, where any fixture testing above that 5-ppb threshold is immediately cut from service until fixed or replaced.

The report suggests that New York State should start requiring filters on all school drinking water taps, while also adopting an even tighter 1-ppb standard for lead in school drinking water.

Drinking water image via the office of New York Governor Kathy Hochul.