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Providing Environmental Solutions Since 1988
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Over 80 years of combined industry experience
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Reporting and Compliance Services
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Our in-house laboratory ensures rapid and accurate results
Certified School Lead Water Testing & Compliance on Long Island & Queens
Providing students and staff with safe drinking water is a top priority for every school district. In New York, all public, charter, and BOCES schools are required to test their drinking and cooking water for lead contamination under 10 NYCRR Subpart 67-4.
With over 30 years of experience and hundreds of school districts served, Enviroscience delivers accurate, timely, and transparent results to protect your community’s health and your district’s compliance.
What School Lead Testing Involves
Our testing process follows the New York State Department of Health’s guidance for school drinking water testing and is designed for minimal disruption to your school day.
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First-Draw Sampling & Outlet Coverage
Lead sampling must be performed at every potable water outlet used for drinking or cooking including fountains, classroom sinks, kitchens, and staff areas. Enviroscience coordinates a full outlet inventory and performs first-draw sampling, which collects water that has been standing in pipes overnight to provide the most accurate lead reading.
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Laboratory Analysis & Action Level (5 ppb)
All samples are analyzed in our state-certified laboratory using EPA-approved methods. Results are compared against the current NYSDOH action level of 5 parts per billion (ppb). Any outlet exceeding that level requires immediate remediation and follow-up sampling.
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Remediation Planning & Reporting
If elevated lead levels are found, our team assists with remediation guidance, from fixture replacement to flushing protocols. We prepare detailed reports and documentation for district administrators, the local health department, and public posting as required by state law.
Plan Now for Mandatory Lead in Drinking Water Testing
New York requires all public schools to complete lead in drinking water testing by December 31st, 2025. Even if your district tested in 2020, new testing is required due to updated Lead in Drinking Water Sampling provisions. Any sampling taken prior to January 1, 2023, is no longer valid for compliance per the Department of Health Guidelines.
Changing Regulations
Last year New York Department of Health made sweeping changes to lead in drinking water testing requirements for public schools. Schools must complete initial first-draw sampling for the 2023-2025 Compliance Period between January 1, 2023 – December 31, 2025.
The revised action level of lead in drinking water is 5 parts per billion (ppb), reduced from 15 ppb. Additionally, outlets that previously tested above 5ppb but under 15ppb need to be given priority sampling. That means, that if previously an outlet passed with an action level of 10ppb, under the new regulations, it is considered a priority outlet and should be tested first.
Schools are also now required to test every 3 years instead of 5 years. Buildings that were previously determined to be exempt from for being lead-free will no longer be exempt under the new regulations. While most of the reporting requirements have stayed the same, schools must now include copies of lab reports of the lead testing results on their website.
NYS Department of Health (DOH) has released an updated summary in the form of a slideshow as of March 2023. Click here to review the slideshow.
Our Services for Schools Across Long Island & Queens
We work closely with school facilities directors, business administrators, and health/safety coordinators to simplify compliance and minimize classroom disruption.
Our school lead testing program includes:
- Inventory of all potable outlets and floor plan coordination
- Sample scheduling to comply with school-hour restrictions
- Chain-of-custody documentation and certified sample collection
- Laboratory analysis and reporting per EPA Method 200.8
- Remediation support for elevated results
- Public communication templates for parental notification
We’ve proudly partnered with districts throughout Nassau County, Suffolk County, and the broader Long Island region, including elementary schools, middle and high schools, and district-wide BOCES facilities.
Frequently Asked Questions About School Drinking Water Lead Testing
How often are schools required to test for lead?
Every school in New York State must test drinking and cooking water outlets at least once every three years (triennially).
What is the current lead action level in New York?
As of 2022, the action level is 5 ppb (parts per billion). Any result at or above this level requires remediation and follow-up sampling.
Do schools need to test every outlet?
Yes. All potable outlets used for drinking or cooking must be tested — including classroom sinks, fountains, and staff kitchen areas.
Can Enviroscience help with public reporting?
Absolutely. We prepare complete documentation for posting on your district website and submission to NYSDOH and local health departments.