Water Quality Testing

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

Niskayuna Summer 2024 Water Testing Results by School

• Birchwood Elementary School Results
• Craig Elementary School Results
• Glencliff Elementary School Results
• Hillside Elementary School Results
• Rosendale Elementary School Results
• Van Antwerp Middle School Results
• Iroquois Middle School Results
• Niskayuna High School Results

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.