PJ Schools Water Sample Results

State-wide mandated testing of all water outlets in public schools

October 3, 2016, Port Jervis, NY - As you are likely aware, lead in drinking water has been in the news and has become a concern to the public at large. To that end, on September 6, 2016, Governor Cuomo signed into law a bill requiring all school districts and BOCES to test potable water outlets for lead contamination.

The State called for elementary schools to be tested first. Upon testing all indoor and outdoor water sources at ASK and HBE, we did find the following areas where the level of lead in the water was above the state standards:

ASK

  • BOCES took samples from 98 different areas of "first draw" water sources
  • From that total sample, 14 were above allowable levels by the NYS Department of Health of 15 parts per billion (ppb)
  • The sample amounts were 250 milliliters or 8 ounces
  • Of the 14 failures, 9 were on hose spigots and 2 were a custodial slop sink and a copy room faucet that are not accessible to students
  • The 3 remaining failed samples were on classroom faucets which have all been remediated by replacement
  • The custodial slop sink and copy room faucet have also been replaced
  • In accordance with this new law, signs have been installed next to the failed areas reading: "Non potable water do not drink"

HBE

  • BOCES took samples from 67 different areas of "first draw" water sources
  • From that total sample, 7 of them were above allowable levels by the NYS Department of Health of 15 parts per billion (ppb)
  • The sample amounts were 250 milliliters or 8 ounces
  • Of the 7 failures, 5 were from faucets that are not accessible to students; these will be replaced as soon as new faucets arrive
  • The remaining 2 failures were on faucets/fountains which have been either replaced or shut off
  • In accordance with this new law, signs have been installed next to the failed areas reading: "Non potable water do not drink"

In response to this recent legislation, the High School and the Middle School will also be tested by October 30. The health and safety of your children and all faculty and staff remains our top priority. We will continue to monitor our water levels in all buildings throughout the school year in order to ensure that there are no health risks to anyone in the Port Jervis City School District. If you have any questions regarding this matter or you would like to review the testing results, please do not hesitate to contact me at 845-858-3100 x 15511.

Yours in Port Pride,

Thomas M. Bongiovi
Superintendent
Port Jervis City School District