Per NYS Public Health Law §1110, enacted in 2016, public schools are mandated to conduct lead testing on all water outlets (i.e., drinking fountains, sinks). More recently, Governor Hochul revised the law to reduce the action level of lead in drinking water to 5 parts per billion (ppb), from the federal Environmental Protection Agency’s standard of 15 ppb. Although the EPA’s standard remains at 15 ppb, public schools are required to adhere to state standards. Therefore, if the lead level from a water outlet exceeds the state’s new action level of 5 ppb, the district will take immediate action to remedy the problem. Additionally, all results are now shared with the Department of Health.
In November 2025, BH-BL staff tested 202 water outlets districtwide. Among them, 10 outlets had results higher than the new state action level of 5 ppb but below the EPA’s action level of 15 ppb with the exception of one water outlet at O’Rourke Middle School. It should be noted, that nearly all the the outlets with action levels above 5 ppb were sinks in kitchen areas not used for cooking or elementary classroom sinks not used for drinking. The one outlet above the 15 ppb is an original water fountain at the middle school that is not used and does not have the water bottle filter attached. [Follow this link to view these results.]
State regulations declare that any water outlet that is not used for drinking water must be clearly labeled. As such, signs have been posted that note the sinks are not to be used for drinking. Additionally, the middle fountain has been shut off. Furthermore, the results were shared with parents and students.
According to the EPA, lead in drinking water is rarely the sole cause of lead poisoning. Furthermore, human skin does not absorb lead in water so even if water contains lead above the state’s action level, it is safe for hand washing, cleaning, or science applications. For more information about lead levels and drinking water, visit the EPA’s website.
Please be assured that school officials are taking the necessary steps to address the situation and to ensure the safety of our students and staff throughout the district. More information on New York’s water testing law and other information is also available on the state’s website.