Update (December 30, 2016)
As of December 30, 2016, the repairs, removals and replacements of affected water outlets at JLE have been completed. We are currently scheduling dates for these locations to be re-tested and they will not be put back into service until the additional sample results return at or below the action level of 15 ppb.
Results and Action (Fall 2016)
December 1, 2016
Dear Hudson Families,
I am writing to report the results of water testing that occurred at John L. Edwards Primary School (JLE) this fall. (To read this letter in another language, please choose your language from the “Select Language” drop down menu on the right side of this webpage.)
In accordance with new state legislation, we tested samples from all of the priority drinking water locations at each school building throughout the district (i.e., water fountains, cafeterias, and nurse’s office faucets), as well as water from faucets used for purposes other than water consumption (e.g., bathroom sinks, hoses). The new legislation states that action is required if lead levels exceed 15 parts per billion (ppb).
The results from the recent water testing at JLE identified a few areas that require remediation. In total, six locations (out of 102 samples taken) returned evidence of lead levels above the Environmental Protection Agency standard of 15 ppb. Most of the locations with elevated lead levels are not typically used for water consumption, with the exception of one drinking fountain:
|
Location
|
Lead parts per billion
|
Action
|
| Kitchen sink |
100 ppb
|
Labeled for hand washing only; faucet will be replaced |
| Kitchen hand wash |
70 ppb
|
Labeled for hand washing only; faucet will be replaced |
| Fountain in Classroom A1 (this is within the Family Literacy program & was not being used) |
16 ppb
|
Removed from service |
| Bathroom sink (Room A11) |
28 ppb
|
Labeled for hand washing only; faucet will be replaced |
| Bathroom sink (Room A12) |
39 ppb
|
Labeled for hand washing only; faucet will be replaced |
| Bathroom sink (Room B5) |
290 ppb
|
Removed from service as it is not needed |
As soon as we received the results, the A1 drinking fountain was shut off and taken out of service as a short-term safety measure. We immediately informed staff that the identified faucets cannot be used for drinking water, but are safe for washing hands. Signs were placed on all faucet locations indicating that water is not for drinking purposes. Outlets that tested below the action level remain in service with no restrictions. Please be assured that all other water locations at JLE tested below the state threshold for lead and are safe for drinking.
The remediation plan for the affected areas includes replacing fixtures. Following the remediation of the above locations, the water will be retested. These areas will not be labeled as safe for drinking until the additional sample results return at or below the action level of 15 ppb.
The continued health and safety of our students and staff remains a top priority, and we wanted to make you aware of the results when they became available. Our complete lab reports are posted below and can be downloaded as PDFs.
Please be assured that we will continue to take the necessary steps to ensure that the quality of our drinking water meets the new state regulations. We will keep you updated as this process continues. You may contact my office at (518) 828-4360, ext. 2101 with any questions or concerns. Thank you.
Lab Reports