Update (December 30, 2016)
As of December 30, 2016, the repairs, removals and replacements of affected water outlets at MCSIS 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 Montgomery C. Smith Intermediate School (MCSIS) 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 MCSIS identified a few areas that require remediation. In total, three locations (out of 81 samples taken) returned evidence of lead levels above the Environmental Protection Agency standard of 15 ppb. The three locations with elevated lead levels are not typically used for water consumption:
|
Location
|
Lead parts per billion
|
Action
|
| 2nd floor Boys’ locker room (middle sink) |
45 ppb
|
Shut off and will be removed |
| 2nd floor Men’s faculty bathroom (right sink) |
100 ppb
|
Labeled for hand washing only; faucet will be replaced |
| 2nd floor Men’s faculty bathroom (left sink) |
30 ppb
|
Labeled for hand washing only; faucet will be replaced |
Although these areas are not considered to be primary drinking locations, we immediately informed staff that the identified faucets cannot be used for drinking water (however they 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 MCSIS 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
MCSIS Initial Results (Part 1)
MCSIS Initial Results (Part 2)