Eastchester Tests For Lead In School District's Water Sources

EASTCHESTER, N.Y. - Eight fountains have been removed from Eastchester schools after officials proactively tested the district’s water sources and found trace amounts of lead.

Eastchester schools tested 614 water sources throughout the district for the presence of lead.
Photo Credit: *File*

Zak Failla

07/15/2016 5:30 p.m.

Following reported media stories of elevated lead levels in New Jersey, Flint, Mich., and New Rochelle, Eastchester Schools Superintendent Walter Moran announced that all faucets, sinks and water fountains districtwide would be tested for lead content.

In total, 614 water outlets were tested, with two samples taken from each. In total, just eight fountains presented the presence of lead above 15 parts per billion - less than the Environmental Protection Agency’s 20 ppb standard for schools.

Upon a second test, just two of the fountains tested above 15 ppb, but officials proactively opted to take all eight out of service. Those faucets are scheduled to be removed or replaced with filtered water coolers. 35 sinks that tested above 15 ppb are also being remediated, though none are used for drinking or cooking.

According to Moran, moving forward, the district will continue monitoring for lead content in water in all buildings in a cyclical rotation, beginning with Anne Hutchinson Elementary School.

The complete report on Eastchester schools’ testing for lead in the water can be read online.

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