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Last week, Mount Vernon Schools Superintendent Kenneth Hamilton announced that the district will soon begin independent water quality sampling for lead in each drinking water source in every school building.
According to Hamilton, the sampling will be conducted by an independent engineering consulting firm with assistance from the district’s facilities staff, with technical support from an independent certified industrial hygienist. Samples will be taken before school starts and on weekends to minimize the impact on students.
Hamilton noted that he has no reason to believe the district’s water is contaminated, school officials are just hoping to be proactive after several Westchester schools had to shutter their drinking sources. Testing is expected to last several weeks.
“The testing is not required by law or regulation, and we have no information that suggest there are any elevated levels of lead in drinking water in our schools. However, based on national events, this testing is being performed as a precaution,” he said.
“The district is working with the Westchester Department of Health, Mount Vernon Water Department and several private consultants to develop a comprehensive water sampling plan for the district that has been reviewed by the Department of Health.”
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