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OCM BOCES Test for Lead Following New State Standard
Results of Testing for Lead in Drinking Water: OCM BOCES
In the spring of 2021, OCM BOCES tested the drinking water for lead at each of our instructional and non-instructional sites. OCM BOCES tested all water coolers and applicable operational faucets normally used for drinking or cooking to ensure the safety of students and staff.
Gov. Andrew Cuomo signed a new law on September 6, 2016 that requires public school districts/BOCES to test for lead levels in all water outlets currently or potentially used for drinking or cooking. In addition, the NY State Health Department has specified that all bathroom sinks used by students also be tested even if they are not normally used for drinking water. Under the new state standard, water sources that could potentially be used for drinking or cooking that are found to have lead levels above 15 parts per billion (ppb) are to be taken out of service until remediated. A sink that is important for handwashing may remain in service and labeled ‘Do Not Drink’ until remediated.
Per regulation, the 2020 compliance period requires schools test all outlets used for drinking/cooking between January 1, 2020 and December 31, 2020, and remediation activities to continue after that time. However, due to the unprecedented circumstances confronting schools during the 2020 compliance period due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the NYSDOH extended the 2020 compliance period to June 30, 2021. Therefore, testing conducted between January 1, 2020 and June 30, 2021 will be considered as adhering to the 2020 compliance testing requirements.
Results have been posted on our website and can be viewed below. Outlets testing above the 15 ppb New York State threshold have been taken out of service and/or replaced. For sinks testing above 15 ppb and not designated for consumption, such as bathroom sinks, appropriate signage has been placed.
For the results of lead testing received to date in each of our buildings, click on the links below.
