Nontransient Non-Community Public Water System
General Public Education Notice
NTNC-Consumer Notice of Tap Water Results
(Action Level Exceedance)
June 13, 2023
As you may know, [Valley Central Middle School – ID#3515617] is also a public water system because we are responsible for providing you with water at this location and ensuring that the drinking water we
provide to you meets state and federal standards. We collected a drinking water sample for lead at this location on July 29, 2022 the laboratory analysis. For the Short Fountain Across From Room 111, a lead level of [38.0 ppb] parts per billion (ppb) was reported from the sample collected. The Left Fountain
between Room 212A , a lead level of [43.0 ppb] parts per billion was reported from the sample collected. These locations have been taken out of service until we can remediate the levels to safelevels. We are working closely with our local health department and design professionals to ensure we
meet state and federal standards.
The 90th percentile value for our water system is greater than the lead action level of 15ppb.
What Does This Mean?
Under the authority of the Safe Drinking Water Act, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) set the action level for lead in drinking water at 15ppb, This means utilities must ensure that water from the taps used for human consumption do not exceed this level in at least 90 percent of the sites sampled (90 th percentile result). The action level is the concentration of a contaminant which, if exceeded, triggers treatment or requirements which a water system must follow. If water from the tap does exceed this
limit, then the utility must take certain steps to correct the problem. Because lead may pose serious health risks, the EPA set a Maximum Contaminant Level Goal (MCLG) of zero for lead. The MCLG is the level of a contaminant in drinking water below which there is no know or expected risk to health. MCLGs allow for a margin of safety.
We are taking a number of steps to correct the problem. We will begin sampling for lead every 6 months so we can closely monitor the lead levels in our water system. In addition, we will initiate a Public Education campaign to ensure that people who drinking water in our facility know about the action level exceedance, understand the health effects of lead, the sources of lead and actions they can take to reduce exposure to leads in drinking water. We will also monitor our source water, initiate controls to reduce the corrosivity of our water (corrosive water can cause lead to leach from plumbing materials
that contain lead) and [if appropriate] initiate lead service line replacement. We strongly urge you to take the steps below to reduce your exposure to lead in drinking water.
What Are The Health Effects of Lead?
Lead can cause serious health problems if too much enters your body from drinking water or other sources. It can cause damage to the brain and kidneys, and can interfere with the production of red blood cells that carry oxygen to all parts of your body. The greatest risk of lead exposure is to infants,
young children, and pregnant women. Scientists have linked the effects of lead on the brain with lowered IQ in children. Adults with kidney problems and high blood pressure can be affected by low levels of lead
more than healthy adults. Lead is stored in the bones, and it can be released later in life. During pregnancy, the child receives lead from the mother’s bones, which may affect brain development. If you are concerned about lead exposure at this facility or in your home, you may want to ask your health care
providers about testing children to determine levels of lead in their blood.
Sources of Lead
Lead is a common metal found in the environment. Drinking water is one possible source of lead exposure. The primary source of lead exposure for most children is lead-based paint. Other sources of
lead exposure include lead-contaminated dust or soil, and some plumbing materials. In addition, lead can be found in a number of consumer products, including certain types of pottery, pewter, brass
fixtures, food, and cosmetics. Other sources include exposure in the workplace (jobs that include house painting, plumbing renovation, construction, auto repair, welding, electronics repair, jewelry or pottery
repair) and exposure from certain hobbies (such as stained glass or pottery, fishing, making or shooting firearms and collecting lead or pewter figurines), as lead can be carried on clothing and shoes. Children’s hands or their toys can come into contact with lead in paint, dust and soil. Therefore, washing children’s hands and their toys will help reduce the potential for lead exposure from these sources.
Plumbing materials including pipes, new brass faucets, fittings, and valves, including those advertised as “lead –free” may contribute lead to drinking water. The law currently allows pipes, fittings, and fixtures with up to 0.25 percent weighted average of lead to be identified as “lead-free.”
What Can I Do To Reduce Exposure To Lead In Drinking Water?
* Run your water to flush out lead. If water hasn’t been used for several hours, run water for 15-30 seconds [or insert a different flushing time if your system has representative data indicatinga different flushing time would better reduce lead exposure in your community and if the State
Primacy Agency approves the wording] or until it becomes cold or reaches a steady temperaturebefore using it for drinking or cooking. This flushes lead-containing water from the pipes.
* Use cold water for cooking and preparing baby formula.
* Do not boil water to remove lead.
For More Information
Call us at [845-457-2400 extension 16914]. For more information on lead in drinking water, contact your local health department, or the New York State Department of Health directly by calling the toll-
free number (within New York State) 1-800-458-1158, extension 27650, or out of state at (518) 402- 7650, or by email at bpwsp@health.state.ny.us. For more information on reducing lead exposure around your home/building and the health effects of lead, visit EPA’s Web site at www.epa.gov/lead,
or call the National Lead Information Center at 1-800-424-LEAD.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT LEAD IN YOUR DRINKING WATER
[Valley Central Middle School] found elevated levels of lead in the drinking water in two locations of the building. Lead can cause serious health problems, especially for pregnant women and young children.
Please read this information closely to see what you can do to reduce lead your drinking water.
This notice is being sent to you by Valley Central Middle School.
State Water System ID# [3515617]
June 13, 2023
Health Effects of Lead
Lead can cause serious health problems if too much enters your body from drinking water or other sources. It can cause damage to the brain and kidneys, and can interfere with the production of red blood cells that carry oxygen to all parts of your body. The greatest risk of lead exposure is to infants,
young children, and pregnant women. Scientists have linked the effects of lead on the brain with lowered IQ in children. Adults with kidney problems and high blood pressure can be affected by low levels of lead more than healthy adults. Lead is stored in the bones and it can be released later in life. During
pregnancy, the child receives lead from the mother’s bones, which may affect brain development.
Sources of Lead
Lead is a common metal found in the environment. Drinking water is one possible source of lead exposure. The primary source of lead exposure for most children is lead-based paint. Other sources of lead exposure include lead-contaminated dust or soil, and some plumbing materials. Plumbing
materials, including pipes, new brass faucets, fittings, and valves, including those advertised as “lead-free,” may contribute lead to drinking water. The law currently allows pipes, fittings, and fixtures with up to 0.25 percent weighted average of lead to be identified as “lead-free.” In addition, lead can be found in a number of consumer products, including certain types of pottery, pewter, food, and cosmetics. Other sources include exposure in the workplace (jobs that include house painting, plumbing renovation, construction, auto repair, welding, electronics repair, jewelry or pottery repair) and exposure from
certain hobbies (such as stained glass or pottery, fishing, making or shooting firearms and collecting lead or pewter figurines), as lead can be carried on clothing and shoes. Children’s hands or their toys can come into contact with lead in paint, dust, and soil. Therefore, washing children’s hands and their toys
will help reduce the potential for lead exposure from these sources.
Steps You Can Take To Reduce Your Exposure To Lead In Your Water
1. Run your water to flush out lead. Run water for 15-30 seconds [or insert a different flushing time if your system has representative data indicating a different flushing time would better reduce lead exposure in your community and if the State Primacy Agency approves the wording] or until it becomes cold or reaches a steady temperature before using it for drinking or cooking,
if it hasn’t been used for several hours. This flushes lead-containing water from the pipes.
2. Use cold water for cooking and preparing baby formula. Do not cook with or drink water from the hot water tap; lead dissolves more easily into hot water. Do not use water from the hot water tap to make baby formula.
3. Do not boil water to remove lead. Boiling water will not reduce lead.
4. Look for alternative sources or treatment of water. You may want to consider purchasing bottled water or a water filter. Read the package to be sure the filter is approved to reduce lead or contact NSF International at 800-NSF-8010 or visit https://www.nsf.org/water consumer guide of approved water filters. Be sure to maintain and replace a filter device in
accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions to protect water quality.
Should your child be tested for lead?
New York Public Health requires primary health care providers to screen each child for blood lead levels at one and two years of age as part of routine well-child care. In addition, at each routine well-child visit, or at least annually if a child has not had routine well-child visits, primary health care
providers assess each child who is at least six-months of age, but under six years of age, for high lead exposure. Each child found to be at risk for high lead exposure is screened or referred for lead screening.
If your child has not had routine well-child visits (since the age of one year) and you are concerned about lead exposure to your child, contact your local health department or healthcare provider to find out how you can get your child tested for lead.
What Happened? What Is Being Done?
[It was brought to our attention by the Orange County Department of Health on April 12, 2023 during the fourth (4 th ) round of reduced triennial lead and copper monitoring for the period January
1, 2020 through December 31, 2022. Samples were collected from the ten (10) distribution taps on 7/29/22 with a copy of the laboratory analyses submitted to this department on April 12, 2023. At that time, it was determined that the 90 th percentile lead sample (38.0 ug/l) exceeded the New York
State Department of Health (NYSDOH) and United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) lead action level of 15 ug/l. The 90 th percentile copper sample (1.47 mg/l) exceeded NYSDOH and USEPA copper action level of 1.3 mg/l.]
Locations with elevated lead levels were taken out of service immediately. [The system was flushed, and on May 19 th , 2023 twenty (20) samples were taken. Samples results for the twenty (20) distribution samples were found acceptable (90 th %ile levels for lead and copper below their respective action levels of 15ug/l and 1.3mg/l). No samples exceeded the action levels. A second set of twenty samples are to be collected between 7/1/23 and 12/31/23. We’re working closely with our local health department and design professionals to meet state and federal standards.
For More Information
Call us at [845-457-2400 extension 16914]. For more information on lead in drinking water, contact your local health department, or the New York State Department of Health directly by calling the toll-free number (within New York State) 1-800-458-1158, extension 27650, or out of state at (518) 402-
7650, or by email at bpwsp@health.state.ny.us. For more information on reducing lead exposure around you home/building and the health effects of lead, visit EPA’s Web site at www.epa.gov/lead,
or call the National Lead Information Center at 1-800-424-LEAD.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT LEAD IN YOUR DRINKING WATER
[Valley Central Middle School] found elevated levels of lead in drinking water in some homes/buildings. Lead can cause serious health problems, especially for pregnant women and young children. Please read this information closely to see what you can do to reduce lead your drinking water.
This notice is being sent to you by Valley Central Middle School.
State Water System ID# [3515617]
June 13, 2023
Health Effects of Lead
Lead can cause serious health problems if too much enters your body from drinking water or other sources. It can cause damage to the brain and kidneys, and can interfere with the production of red blood cells that carry oxygen to all parts of your body. The greatest risk of lead exposure is to infants,
young children, and pregnant women. Scientists have linked the effects of lead on the brain with lowered IQ in children. Adults with kidney problems and high blood pressure can be affected by low levels of lead more than healthy adults. Lead is stored in the bones and it can be released later in life. During
pregnancy, the child receives lead from the mother’s bones, which may affect brain development.
Sources of Lead
Lead is a common metal found in the environment. Drinking water is one possible source of lead exposure. The primary source of lead exposure for most children is lead-based paint. Other sources of lead exposure include lead-contaminated dust or soil, and some plumbing materials. Plumbing
materials, including pipes, new brass faucets, fittings, and valves, including those advertised as “lead- free,” may contribute lead to drinking water. The law currently allows pipes, fittings, and fixtures with up to 0.25 percent weighted average of lead to be identified as “lead-free.” In addition, lead can be found in a number of consumer products, including certain types of pottery, pewter, food, and cosmetics. Other sources include exposure in the workplace (jobs that include house painting, plumbing renovation, construction, auto repair, welding, electronics repair, jewelry or pottery repair) and exposure from
certain hobbies (such as stained glass or pottery, fishing, making or shooting firearms and collecting lead or pewter figurines), as lead can be carried on clothing and shoes. Children’s hands or their toys can come into contact with lead in paint, dust and soil. Therefore, washing children’s hands and their toys
will help reduce the potential for lead exposure from these sources.
Steps You Can Take To Reduce Your Exposure To Lead In Your Water
1. Run your water to flush out lead. Run water for 15-30 seconds [or insert a different flushing time if your system has representative data indicating a different flushing time would better reduce lead exposure in your community and if the State Primacy Agency approves the wording] or until it becomes cold or reaches a steady temperature before using it for drinking or cooking,
if it hasn’t been used for several hours. This flushes lead-containing water from the pipes.
2. Use cold water for cooking and preparing baby formula. Do not cook with or drink water from the hot water tap; lead dissolves more easily into hot water. Do not use water from the hot water tap to make baby formula.
3. Do not boil water to remove lead. Boiling water will not reduce lead.
4. Look for alternative sources or treatment of water. You may want to consider purchasing bottled water or a water filter. Read the package to be sure the filter is approved to reduce lead
or contact NSF International at 800-NSF-8010 or visit https://www.nsf.org/water for a consumer guide of approved water filters. Be sure to maintain and replace a filter device in
accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions to protect water quality.
Should your child be tested for lead?
New York Public Health requires primary health care providers to screen each child for blood lead levels at one and two years of age as part of routine well-child care. In addition, at each routine well-child visit, or at least annually if a child has not had routine well-child visits, primary health care
providers assess each child who is at least six-months of age, but under six years of age, for high lead exposure. Each child found to be at risk for high lead exposure is screened or referred for lead screening.
If your child has not had routine well-child visits (since the age of one year) and you are concerned about lead exposure to your child, contact your local health department or healthcare provider to find out how you can get your child tested for lead.
What Happened? What Is Being Done?
[It was brought to our attention by the Orange County Department of Health on April 12, 2023 during the fourth (4 th ) round of reduced triennial lead and copper monitoring for the period January 1, 2020 through December 31, 2022. Samples were collected from the ten (10) distribution taps on 7/29/22 with a copy of the laboratory analyses submitted to this department on April 12, 2023. At that time, it was determined that the 90th percentile lead sample (38.0 ug/l) exceeded the New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) and United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) lead action level of 15 ug/l. The 90 th percentile copper sample (1.47 mg/l) exceeded NYSDOH and USEPA copper action level of 1.3 mg/l.]
[The system was flushed, and on May 19 th , 2023 twenty (20) samples were taken. Samples results for the twenty (20) distribution samples were found acceptable (90 th %ile levels for lead and copper below their respective action levels of 15ug/l and 1.3mg/l). No samples exceeded the action levels.
A second set of twenty samples are to be collected between 7/1/23 and 12/31/23.
For More Information
Call us at [845-457-2400 extension 16914]. For more information on lead in drinking water, contactyour local health department, or the New York State Department of Health directly by calling the toll-
free number (within New York State) 1-800-458-1158, extension 27650, or out of state at (518) 402- 7650, or by email at bpwsp@health.state.ny.us. For more information on reducing lead exposure
around you home/building and the health effects of lead, visit EPA’s Web site at www.epa.gov/lead, or call the National Lead Information Center at 1-800-424-LEAD.
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