Jamestown Public Schools officials have informed parents of 143 water fixtures throughout the district that have tested positive for having too much lead.

In June, Jamestown Public Schools conducted district-wide water testing in compliance with New York State law.

Superintendent Dr. Kevin Whitaker said of the 601 drinking water fixtures tested in the district, 143 exceeded the state’s current action level of 5 parts per billion (ppb) for lead. The fixtures include any device that can deliver water, and are not all necessarily designed for drinking.

Whitaker added that many of the positive results are directly tied to a change in state requirements. The action level was recently lowered from 15 parts per billion to 5 parts per billion, meaning many fixtures that previously passed are now considered out of compliance under this more stringent standard.

“As soon as results were received in early September, the district acted immediately,” Whitaker said. “Fixtures exceeding the action level were either turned off or labeled ‘Do Not Drink,’ and alternative water sources were provided where necessary. Families received letters on Sept. 12 outlining building-specific results and the steps being taken.”

Whitaker noted that further testing will be conducted on drinking water fixtures to determine if the source of lead is from the plumbing or from the fixture itself. If it is found to be from the fixture, then it will be scheduled for replacement and retested. If it is found to be from the plumbing, then consideration will be given to replacing the pipes with plastic or another approved material.

“We remain in close contact with the Chautauqua County Department of Health and the New York State Department of Health, and we will continue to provide timely updates to our school community as needed,” Whitaker said.