District shares water test results

Results of water testing in Skaneateles Schools have been received – and are largely what the district would have hoped. However, the district is taking continued action based on a few areas of concern, Superintendent Ken Slentz said in a letter to the community.

The district was prompted to do the testing after news of recent drinking water issues in surrounding districts and districts outside of New York State.

“These issues prompted us to test our own school water for lead and copper following the guidance of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). As noted in last month’s communications, this testing was completed in mid-June and we have recently received the results,” Slentz said.

“While the vast majority of the testing from all buildings came back well within regulatory action levels, we are continuing to study findings in eight specific areas – five office areas, two intermittent student support rooms, one classroom, and one kitchen area – as we do not yet have definitive results. These areas will require further investigation including additional testing. “Access to water in the areas in question will be shut off until it is clear whether or not an issue exists and, if so, where it might be stemming from.  “We anticipate these tests will be completed and the results back to us before the end of next week. We will continue working diligently with the village, Onondaga County Health Department, and our local BOCES Health and Safety Office and will report our findings to you thereafter,” Slentz said.

Of top priority is the “safety of our students and school community,” said Slentz, whose goal is to provide “transparent communication as we continue with our research.”

He encouraged people to call, email or visit with any questions or concerns.

To read the entire letter or to elarn more visit skanschools.org.