Voluntary testing of the water systems in the Enlarged City School District of Middletown has turned up high lead levels in some areas.
In response to national and local concerns, Schools Superintendant Dr. Kenneth Eastwood contracted to have the water systems tested.
Orange-Ulster BOCES Office of Risk Management experts identified 645 locations in the district where water was drawn. Samples were tested for lead level by EnviroTest Laboratories in Newburgh.
All locations with high lead test results have been shut off and taken out of service as a short-term control. Eastwood said the district is forming a plan to remove and replace all identified outlets as a permanent remedy.
In addition, he said the district is researching new water fountain/bottle fill stations for all locations, which will provide filtered water for everyone in the buildings.
