GUILDERLAND – Lead above the 15 parts per billion threshold considered safe by the state, was found in 98 water sources in all five elementary schools.
According to the district website, all 98 sources of water – including 19 drinking fountains – were taken out of service or can only be used for hand washing, until the source of the lead can be found and remediated.
The testing, done by CT Male, found:
-Of the 104 sources of drinking water tested at Westmere Elementary School, three sinks had lead in excess of 15 ppb.
-Of the 97 samples at the Pine Bush Elementary School, 45 sinks had lead in excess of 15 ppb.
-Of the 76 samples taken from Lynnwood Elementary School, 22 sources of water had lead in excess of 15 ppb, including 10 drinking fountains.
-Of the 110 samples taken at the Guilderland Elementary School, 26 sources of water contained lead in excess of 15 ppb including nine drinking fountains.
-Of the 61 samples taken at the Altamont Elementary School, two sinks had lead in excess of 15 ppb.
Under the law signed by Gov. Andrew Cuomo in September, all schools must test all outlets for the presence of lead. The Guilderland district will release results from the middle and high schools in the near future.
Lead was also discovered at the Elsmere and Slingerlands elementary schools in the Bethlehem School District as well as in the Voorheesville School District.
“At all times, the district will ensure that all students and staff have an adequate supply of water for drinking and cooking,” according to the district website.
Lead can cause developmental delays, learning difficulties, loss of appetite and abdominal problems.
Anyone with questions is asked to contact Superintendent Marie Wiles at [email protected]