Lead Testing of School Drinking Water

Translate this page into other languages:
English    Español    中文    繁體中文    Русский    יידיש     বাংলা    한국어    Kreyòl Ayisyen    Italiano    العربية    Polski    Français    اردو

Photo of child drinking from school water fountain
  • This information is also available in PDF in English.

Clean and safe drinking water should be provided at all schools to prevent any potential threat to the development of students. Lead is a common contaminant found in drinking water, and schools must properly test the water on a regular basis to ensure minimal exposure. All New York State public schools and Boards of Cooperative Educational Services (BOCES) are required to test all potable water outlets for lead and take action if lead levels exceed 5 micrograms/liter (μg/L).

Information for Schools

Schools should review guidance manuals and other materials for information and templates to develop and implement best management practices to test for and remediate lead in school drinking water. Revisions to Public Health Law (PHL) §1110, which governs school potable water testing and standards, went into effect December 22, 2022. Key revisions to the law and subpart 67-4 include:

  • The revised action level of lead in drinking water is 5 parts per billion (ppb), reduced from 15 ppb.
  • School buildings deemed “lead-free” are no longer exempt from testing requirements.
  • Any new outlets to replace those being taken out of service due to an action level exceedance must be provided free of charge.
  • Copies of lead sampling results including laboratory reports and any lead remediation plans must be made available to the public and posted on the school’s website.
  • Compliance testing must occur on a triennial (every 3 years) schedule.

1 microgram per liter (μg/L) is equivalent to 1 part per billion (ppb)

1 miligram per liter (mg/L) is equivalent to 1 part per million (ppm)

Testing Requirements

Watch this New York State Department of Health video for guidance on sampling for lead in school drinking water, and refer to this Sampling Quick Reference Guide.

  • Complete first draw samples within the compliance period and monitor every three years.
  • A sample must be collected at all outlets that are used, or could potentially be used, for drinking/cooking.
  • Collect samples from a cold-water outlet that hasn't been used for 8-18 hours and before any water is used.
  • Schools are required to sample all buildings. There are no exemptions for "lead-free" buildings.
  • Use a laboratory approved by the Department's Environmental Laboratory Approval Program (ELAP) for lead testing in potable water. Find a Certified Laboratory.

Response to Action Level Exceedance (over 5 μg/L)

  • Immediately take outlet(s) out of service for drinking/cooking. With signage (en español), outlet(s) can still be used for cleaning and handwashing.
  • Provide alternate drinking water free of charge.
  • Implement remediation action plan.
  • Conduct post-remediation testing.

Reporting

  • Within one business day of receiving results: Report results over 5 μg/L to Local Health Department.
  • Within 10 business days of receiving results: Notify staff and parents/guardians of results over 5 μg/L in writing and report all results to using the electronic reporting application HERDS on the Health Commerce System (HCS). For assistance in gaining access to the HCS and HERDS, review these instructions.
  • Within six weeks of receiving results: Post copies of lab reports with lead results and remediation action information on the school website.
  • If you need additional assistance, email lead.in.school.drinking.water@health.ny.gov.

Record Keeping

  • Retain records for 10 years.
  • Provide copies to New York State Department of Health, New York State Education Department, and Local Health Departments upon request.

Best Practices to Reduce Lead in Drinking Water

  • Clean aerators.
  • Practice routine flushing (after vacations and long weekends).
  • Use only certified lead-free plumbing materials as plumbing may add lead to drinking water, especially when water is not consistently in use. These materials include pipes, new brass faucets, and fittings, as well as valves.
  • Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for water softener settings.
  • Educate staff/students to let water run for 30-60 seconds or until it feels cold.

Information for Families

You can find your school’s available lead test results on Health Data NY by using the Lead Reporting Interactive Search.

More Information

Lead Testing in School Drinking Water Infographhic

This guidance manual provides information and templates to assist New York State schools to develop and implement plans to test for lead in school drinking water, as well as examples of best management practices that a school may choose to implement to minimize the potential for exposure to lead in school drinking water.

Templates

For Schools