Dear Monticello CSD Community Member,
Earlier this week, we were informed that water samples from various fixtures in Monticello High School, Robert J. Kaiser Middle School, and the St. John Street Education Center were found to have lead in amounts that exceed the allowable limit of 15 parts per billion. The results of the tests completed in May 2021 are as follows:
|
School |
Number of Fixtures Tested |
Number of Fixtures Above 15 Parts per Billion |
|
Monticello High School |
56 |
5 |
|
Robert J. Kaiser Middle School |
27 |
9 |
|
St. John Street Education Center |
32 |
7 |
The 21 fixtures that tested with lead levels above the acceptable limit were removed from service, except for sink faucets needed for handwashing. In that case, a sign was posted at the sink indicating that it is not to be used for drinking water. We will conduct additional tests on these fixtures to pinpoint the cause of the contamination. Once these tests have been completed, we will remedy the identified fixtures.
New York requires schools to test their water for lead every five years. For more information about the testing process, please see this fact sheet: https://www.monticelloschools.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/56651-prtflio-flyer-watertesting2020_R1_PRESS.pdf
The health and safety of our students and staff is very important to us, and we will take every step available to ensure it. Please be assured that we will continue to take all necessary steps to ensure the quality of drinking water throughout our district meets the state regulations. We will keep you informed as we continue to receive the results of the ongoing water testing at our schools.
More information and links to additional resources can be found on the EPA website under “Basic Information about Lead in Drinking Water”
I hope you are well, and please enjoy your summer.
Sincerely,
Matthew T. Evans, Ed. D.
Superintendent of Schools