Testing for Lead in Drinking Water
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.
In accordance with the mandate all school buildings in the Windsor Central School District were tested by environmental testing firms who specialize in this work. We have contracted with these professionals to ensure that only drinking outlets that meet this new high standard will be available for students staff and public. Results and the remediation plan will be posted on the district website.
The new law requires:
- All PK-5 school buildings must collect a sample from each possible drinking source by September 30, 2016
- All schools serving children in grades 6-12 must collect a sample from each possible drinking source by October 31, 2016
- Schools are required to report all lead test results to the state department of health
- If lead levels are detected at 15 parts per billions at any potable water outlet, the school must discontinue use of that outlet and implement a lead remediation plan to mitigate the lead level
- School must report the exceedance to the local health department within on business day
- Results must be provided in writing to all staff and parents no more than 10 business days after receiving the report
- Schools must post the results of all lead testing any remediation plans on its website
- Schools will now be required to collect samples every five years, at minimum, after the initial testing
Notification of Pesticide use
New York State Education Law Section 409-H and State Education Department Commissioner’s Regulation 155.24, effective July 1, 2001, requires all public and nonpublic elementary and secondary schools to provide written notification to all persons in parental relation, faculty, and staff regarding the potential use of pesticides periodically throughout the school year.
The Windsor Central School District is required to maintain a list of persons in parental relation, faculty, and staff who wish to receive 48-hour prior notification of certain pesticide applications.
If you would like to receive such notification or would like further information regarding this matter, please contact Mr. Chris Durdon, Director of Operations at (607) 655-8254.