Outlets include classroom sinks, kitchen sinks, and water fountains.

Outlets include classroom sinks, kitchen sinks, and water fountains. Credit: Newsday/Drew Singh

Every school district in New York is required to test water fixtures in its schools for lead, a neurotoxin that is especially dangerous for children. For this most recent round of tests, conducted between 2023 and 2025, the state limit for lead was lowered from 15 parts per billion to 5, following increasing evidence that exposure to even very small amounts is harmful. Any fixture that doesn’t meet the state limit of 5 parts per billion must be replaced, repaired, or shut off.

Nearly 3,000 fixtures across Long Island exceeded the limit, Newsday’s analysis of lab reports found. That’s more than twice as many as the figure in the state’s database.

LIE sinkhole snarls traffic ... NUMC maternity shutdown ... Summer Fun Book preview Credit: Newsday

Hours from possible LIRR strike ... Summer Fun Book preview ... Warmer weather on way ... Design your own pie

LIE sinkhole snarls traffic ... NUMC maternity shutdown ... Summer Fun Book preview Credit: Newsday

Hours from possible LIRR strike ... Summer Fun Book preview ... Warmer weather on way ... Design your own pie

FLASH SALE

$1 FOR ONE YEAR

Unlimited Digital Access

SUBSCRIBE NOW >>Cancel anytime - new subscribers only