A state audit has revealed significant shortcomings in the Wayland-Cohocton Central School District’s lead testing and reporting practices, raising concerns about student and staff safety. The report, issued by the Office of the New York State Comptroller, found that district officials failed to test all required potable water outlets, report results in a timely manner, and implement effective remediation plans to reduce lead exposure.
The audit examined district practices from July 2019 to May 2024 and highlighted gaps in compliance with New York State Public Health Law and Department of Health (DOH) regulations. Of the 379 water outlets identified on school property, 140—37%—were not tested or properly exempted. The district lacked a comprehensive sampling plan and relied on memory to identify testing locations, leading to missed high-risk areas, including classrooms, cafeterias, and outdoor outlets.
Testing conducted in February 2020 revealed 29 outlets exceeding the lead action level of 15 parts per billion. While these outlets were removed from service or remediated, the district’s failure to test all outlets means additional risks could not be ruled out.
Reporting failures compounded the problem. Officials did not notify local health authorities within the required one business day, nor did they alert staff and parents in writing within 10 business days. Results were posted on the district’s website nearly a year past the deadline, and subsequent remediation testing results were not reported at all.
District officials attributed delays to lack of familiarity with reporting requirements and pandemic-related disruptions. However, auditors noted that failure to develop clear procedures and roles contributed to ongoing non-compliance.
The audit recommends that the district create robust sampling and remediation plans, test all potential potable outlets, and enforce timely reporting. Officials have agreed to implement corrective actions, including working with their local Board of Cooperative Educational Services (BOCES) to develop new plans.
Exposure to lead, especially in children, can cause developmental, neurological, and behavioral issues. Under stricter regulations enacted in 2023, schools must test for lead every three years with a reduced action level of 5 parts per billion.
For parents and staff, the findings underscore the need for vigilance in monitoring water safety in schools and holding districts accountable for compliance with health standards.
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