Dear Newark Valley Parents, Guardians, and Staff,

As you may or may not be aware, on September 6, 2016, Governor Cuomo signed legislation making New York the first state in the nation to require all school districts to test potable water systems for lead contamination and to take responsive actions if necessary. The New York State Department of Health regulations defined a considerably higher standard for acceptable levels of lead than that previously defined by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), which was 20 parts per billion (ppb). Under this new standard, an "action plan" must be developed for any outlet where lead levels are found to be above 15 parts per billion (ppb). The law has recently been revised to mandate that the lead action level in drinking water be reduced to 5 parts per billion (ppb). An outlet is defined as any water supply (fountain, faucet, etc.) that is used, or may potentially be used, for drinking or cooking. If lead is found at any water outlet at levels above 5 parts per billion (ppb), which is equal to 5 micrograms per liter (µg/L), the NYS DOH requires that the school take action to reduce the exposure to lead. 

The Newark Valley Central School District has taken this new regulation seriously and has begun testing in the district. Outlets identified as exceeding the acceptable level have been taken out of operation or labeled as non-potable until remediated. The results of the newly required testing conducted at all sites within the district are below: 

The high school had four (4) locations that tested over the 5 parts per billion (ppb). 

- Band Room – this sink has been labeled non-potable. Can still be used for washing hands and other items. 

- Nurses Office – this sink will have a filter added to it to remove lead and will be retested. In the meantime, the nurse is using bottled water in the office. The sink can still be used for washing hands. 

- Hose bib outside of the custodial break room on the first floor – this has been turned off – there will be a filter added and retested.

- Kitchen Sink on the north wall. The sink has been labeled non-potable. The faucet will be replaced, and a filter will be added if needed. The water will be retested. The sink can still be used for washing hands. 

Please be assured that both municipal and well sources of water in the district are regularly tested and meet all safety standards. Possible causes for not meeting the acceptable level may include: 

- Older fixtures, piping, and/or solder 

- Contaminated aerator 

- Contaminated water filters 

School safety is paramount to the mission of the Newark Valley Central School District, and we are committed to providing a safe, secure learning environment. A copy of our test results is available on our website at www.nvcs.stier.org. Should you have questions, please contact the Director of Facilities at (607) 642-8560 or the Tioga County Health Department at (607) 687-8600. 

Sincerely,

Timothy M. Calice

Superintendent of Schools