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Irvington Schools Shut Down Faucets After High Lead Levels Detected

IRVINGTON, N.Y. -- Twelve water sources at two Irvington Union Free School District schools have been shut down following recent water testing for lead at the district's elementary schools.

Irvington Superintendent of Schools Kristopher Harrison.

Irvington Superintendent of Schools Kristopher Harrison.

Photo Credit: File photo

In all, 146 water sources were tested with 12 coming back above the legal level for lead, said Carol Stein, assistant superintendent for business and operations. 

"Luckily, all of the water sources are not drinking fountains and are hand washing sinks, such as one used to wash pans or hands," Stein said.

Of the 12 sinks shut down, seven faucets were shut off at Dows Lane Elementary School, and five were shut off at Main, said Schools Superintendent Kristopher Harrison in an email.

At Main Street School, two of five of the affected sinks were in classrooms and have been taken out of service, he said. The other three are located in the bathroom of the gym, which have been closed.

At Dows Lane, five of the seven faucets above the limit are rarely used, with a secondary sink outside the door to the bathroom. Additionally, one of three sinks tested positive for lead, as did the sink in the kitchen, he added. 

Stein said the district is currently working with a consultant to remedy the situation and have the facuets retested before they are allowed to be used.

The district is currently in process of testing the area's middle schools which have to be completed under state legislation by the end of October.

New York was the first state to require schools to perform lead testing of the water.

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