Dear Sherburne-Earlville Community Member,
As you may or may not be aware, on September 6, 2016, Governor Cuomo signed legislation making New York the first state in the nation to require all school districts to test potable water systems for lead contamination and to take responsive actions if necessary. The newly released New York State Department of Health regulations have defined a considerably higher standard for acceptable levels of lead than that previously defined by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) which was 20 parts per billion (ppb). Under this new standard, an “action plan” must be developed for any outlet where lead levels are found to be above 15 parts per billion (ppb). An outlet is defined as any water supply (fountain, faucet, etc.) which is used, or may potentially be used, for drinking or cooking.
The Sherburne-Earlville Central School District has taken this new regulation seriously and contracted with engineering and environmental testing firms who specialize in this work. We have contracted with these professionals to ensure that only drinking outlets meeting this new high standard will be available to our students, staff, and public. Outlets identified as exceeding the acceptable level have been taken out of operation and will remain out until remediated. The results of the newly required testing conducted at all sites within the District are as follows.
Sherburne-Earlville Elementary School
Outlets Tested: 144
Outlets Exceeding Acceptable Level: 1
Sherburne-Earlville Middle School/High School
Outlets Tested: 53
Outlets Exceeding Acceptable Level: 0
Sherburne-Earlville Transportation/Athletic Facilities
Outlets Tested: 6
Outlets Exceeding Acceptable Level: 0
Please be assured that both municipal and well sources of water in the District are regularly tested and meet all safety standards. Possible causes for not meeting the acceptable level may include:
- Older fixtures and piping and/or solder
- Contaminated aerator
- Contaminated water filters
School safety is paramount to the mission of the Sherburne-Earlville Central School District and we are committed to providing a safe, secure learning environment. A copy of our test results is available on our website, along with the required Lead Remediation Plan. Should you have questions, please contact the District Office at 607-674-7300.
Sincerely,
Eric Schnabl
Superintendent of Schools
Posted 5/28/2020