Report finds elevated lead at school drinking-water outlets in three counties
A report says 42% of New York schools face challenges involving lead detected in drinking-water systems, with Jefferson, St. Lawrence and Lewis counties among those with the highest rates, while local districts described steps they take when testing exceeds the state limit.
By the ClickNNY North Country Desk
A report from the New York Public Interest Research Group, Environment America and the Frontier Group says lead was detected in drinking-water systems at 42% of New York schools. It identified Jefferson, St. Lawrence and Lewis counties as having some of the highest rates of elevated lead levels in the state.
New York’s action level for school drinking-water outlets is 5 parts per billion. Jefferson-Lewis BOCES officials said outlets exceeding that level are taken out of service for drinking and food preparation until they are remediated. Watertown Central School District representatives said the district is seeking state grant funding to replace aging fixtures and plumbing lines. Carthage Central School District officials said they take immediate corrective action when an outlet exceeds the state threshold.
Reported by ClickNNY and reviewed by an editor before publication.
More from ClickNNY
Guides and features from across the North Country.
ClickNNY Guide · Government
New York Election Day voting guide for the North Country
New York polls are open from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2026, with county-specific guidance available for voters in the North Country.
Developing
After the midterms: why officials are saying get ready
Reports of a possible U.S. strike on Iran, Iranian threats aimed at Europe and a fresh federal cyber warning all point the same way. No specific threat to the North Country has been announced, but here's what to have on hand if something hits the grid or the supply chain.
ClickNNY Special Report · Preparedness
Is the end of the world coming? What it means for the North Country
From Brussels to Albany, governments are telling families to keep days of supplies on hand. The short answer to the big question is no. The longer answer, for a region that lived through Ice Storm '98, is worth a few minutes and a trip to the store.