Peekskill City School District to Test for Lead in Water Beginning June 6

After reports of lead in other school district waters recently made headlines, the Peekskill City School District has taken a proactive measure to assure their students' drinking water is safe. The District will begin water testing on June 6 to inspect operational corridor fountains and kitchen sinks in all schools. Results of this testing will be shared once the process is complete.

“We have set up a plan for lead water testing and corrective actions if needed. We will be using an environmental consultant throughout this process through a CoSer with PNW BOCES,” said Superintendent Dr. David Fine.

The District will have test results within five days of the lab receiving the samples. Tests will be specific to all kitchen sinks used in food preparation, as well as one drinking fountain per wing in each elementary school which is fed from the same pipe line.

The District has a plan of action should any corrective actions be necessary. If lead levels are found above the allowable threshold of .015ppb (parts per billion), fountains will be marked and turned off, and a re-test will be performed. The common practice of flushing fountains daily if numbers are within a certain range of the .015ppb threshold will also take place. Fountains and piping will be replaced as needed and a secondary water source, such as bottled water, will be brought into the district.

“We are doing this as a best practice and because it is the right thing to do for our students and staff,” Dr. Fine said. “Safety and security are paramount.”