State audits find lead testing compliance failures in 3 Long Island school districts
According to the audit released by the state comptroller, the Bayport-Blue Point, Commack and Glen Cove school districts failed to fully comply with state requirements to regularly test all potable water outlets
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New York state audits have found multiple compliance failures in how three Long Island school districts tested for and responded to lead in drinking water, raising concerns about oversight and transparency rather than current water safety.
According to the audit released by the state comptroller, the Bayport-Blue Point, Commack and Glen Cove school districts failed to fully comply with state requirements to regularly test all potable water outlets, properly document results and take timely corrective action when elevated lead levels were found.
In the Bayport-Blue Point School District, the audit found some water outlets were never tested or properly exempted from testing. In some cases, the district did not have a clear remediation plan in place for fixtures that tested above the state’s action level for lead. The audit also cited delays in reporting test results to health officials and the public.
In Commack, the report determined dozens of water outlets were not tested as required. Also, delays in reporting results and gaps in follow-up and remediation documentation were also revealed.
The Glen Cove City School District audit found nearly half of all water outlets were not sampled during the testing period reviewed. The audit also reported that some fixtures with elevated lead levels remained in use without evidence of proper notification or corrective action.
State law requires school districts to test drinking and food-preparation water outlets for lead on a regular schedule, notify families and health officials when elevated levels are found, and ensure safe drinking water alternatives are provided.
Local environmental advocates say the audits highlight the importance of consistent testing, documentation, and transparency when it comes to lead exposure in schools.
