Superintendent's Letter to Community - November 22, 2016
November 22, 2016
Dear Canandaigua City School District Residents,
Safe and healthy school environments can foster healthy and successful children. To protect public health, the Public Health Law and New York State Health Department (NYSDOH) regulations require that all public schools and boards of cooperative educational services (BOCES) test lead levels in water from every outlet that is being used, or could potentially be used, for drinking or cooking. If lead is found at any water outlet at levels above 15 parts per billion (ppb), which is equal to 15 micrograms per liter (µg/L), the NYSDOH requires that the school take action to reduce the exposure to lead.
Testing Procedure
In recent months and in consultation with the Genesee Valley Educational Partnership Health and Safety Services Department, the Canandaigua City School District administered a water testing plan for school district facilities following the New York State Department of Health guidelines. These guidelines indicate any level of lead above 15 parts per billion is considered an “actionable” level for schools – meaning that, if detected, additional corrective and educational actions are recommended, but the level does not directly correlate to increased blood-lead levels in individuals. The Canandaigua City School District is using 15 parts per billion and also will undergo a second phase of New York State recommended testing.
Testing Results
Leader Professional Services conducted testing in 849 locations throughout all of our District facilities. Within these locations, we have learned that 2 water fountains in our Primary Elementary School exceeded the threshold; it is not unusual for fixtures in older buildings to have slightly elevated results, especially when the water has been sitting for some time. Access to these fountains, which were already limited in use, was removed immediately.
Please note, all other drinking fountains in our District facilities met guidelines for water consumption.
The testing agency also found that there were sinks in school facilities that exceeded the threshold. These sinks have been either completely shut off during the next phase of testing, or in limited circumstances, have been designated as hand-washing stations only with non-potable water. The sinks are safe for hand-washing according to the Center for Disease Control because human skin does not absorb lead in water. When necessary an alternative water supply has been added at these locations.
Next Steps
The water for the Canandaigua City School District is supplied by the Ontario County Water and Sewer Authority and the City of Canandaigua. The drinking water supply for the Canandaigua City School District is tested regularly by our water providers. Water tests have been performed routinely by the Ontario County Water and Sewer Authority and the City of Canandaigua. The results of the most recent tests of the actual water supply to the District indicated levels of lead were within normal quality ranges for all sites.
Given the recent results, Canandaigua has engaged in the next phase of the New York State recommended guidelines specific to certain water sources. Because of the high demand for water testing, a date has not yet been provided for receiving the report of results from this next phase of water testing.
We will continue to consult with the New York State Public Health Department and follow NYS guidance in the next steps regarding retesting and mitigation measures. The health and safety of all users of our facilities is very important to us.
Thank you for your continued support and understanding.
Respectfully,
Lynne H. Erdle
Superintendent of Schools