In 2016, Governor Andrew Cuomo signed a law requiring schools to test water sources for lead every five years. This testing is now a regular part of our health and safety protocols. Outlets that should be sampled may be located anywhere on school property including external outlets (hose bibs) if the outlet may be used for drinking or cooking (including food preparation). Although science/art room sinks and dishwashing sinks may be tested in some cases, these can be identified as “non-applicable” outlets that do not necessarily need to be sampled.
What happens when a sample indicates a lead level above the state’s action level (currently 15 parts per billion)
The outlet is taken offline until a remediation action plan is initiated.
The results are reported to the Department of Health, school staff and students families.
What are some of the remediation actions?
Remediation actions can include: permanent removal of an outlet; Outlet replacement; pipe replacement; flushing; filtration; education; and signage.
Niskayuna 2024 Water Testing Results by School
Birchwood Elementary School Results – Summer 2024
Craig Elementary School Results – Summer 2024
Hillside Elementary School Results – Summer 2024
Glencliff Elementary School Results – Summer 2024
Rosendale Elementary School Results – Summer 2024
Iroquois Middle School Results – Summer 2024
Van Antwerp Middle School Results – Summer 2024
Niskayuna High School Results – Summer 2024
Niskayuna 2021 Water Testing Results by School
Birchwood Elementary School Results – Spring 2021
Craig Elementary School Results – Spring 2021
Hillside Elementary School Results – Spring 2021
Glencliff Elementary School Results – Spring 2021
Rosendale Elementary School Results – Spring 2021
Iroquois Middle School Results – Spring 2021
Van Antwerp Middle School Results – Spring 2021
Niskayuna High School Results – Spring 2021
If you are having trouble accessing any of the above files, please contact the district’s Communications Office at (518) 377-4666, ext. 50707 or communications@niskyschools.org and arrangements will be made to provide you with an electronic or hard copy of the desired document.
Action Level and Remediation Plans
The state established a lead action level of 15 parts per billion (also referred to as micrograms of lead per liter). If a sample from a water outlet exceeds this level, schools must take steps to prevent the use of the outlet for drinking or cooking purposes until it is remediated and follow-up testing confirms it is no longer above the action level.
Lead-free buildings
Lead-free, as defined by the federal Safe Drinking Water Act, is based on the lead content of plumbing materials. Federal laws enacted in 1986, and updated in 2011, limit the amount of lead that can be used in new plumbing and fixtures. A building can be deemed lead-free if it was built after Jan. 4, 2014, or a New York State licensed Professional Engineer or Architect certifies it to be lead-free. Under New York’s new law, school districts are not required to conduct water testing in buildings designated as lead-free. The district has no buildings designated as lead-free, as defined by the Federal Safe Drinking Water Act.
A resource for more information about lead in drinking water
More information and links to additional resources can be found on the EPA website under “Basic Information about Lead in Drinking Water”.