OBSERVER Photo by Braden Carmen Fredonia Superintendent Dr. Brad Zilliox said the district is “taking every precaution” following 51 water fixtures testing positive for lead above the state threshold.

The latest water issue impacting Fredonia is centralized at the Fredonia Central School District.

Fredonia has identified the presence of lead in water fixtures throughout the district’s facilities. Of 242 water fixtures tested by an outside laboratory, 51 different water fixtures came back with the presence of lead exceeding the state regulation threshold of five parts per billion.

Impacted areas include all levels of instruction, including 10 outlets at the Wheelock campus and 41 outlets at the main campus. Main campus sources that reported contamination include various kitchen sinks, chorus and locker room sinks, nursing office sinks, as well as the art room and several classrooms. Various drinking fountains were also found to be contaminated.

In a letter released to parents and guardians, Fredonia Superintendent Dr. Brad Zilliox stated the district plans to flush and re-test all identified sources of contamination. While awaiting the results of the latest round of tests, Zilliox said, “We are taking every precaution and following the state legislation and Department of Health guidelines to the letter.”

The district has marked all 51 outlets in violation with a notice to not consume the water. Zilliox added, “We have also made every effort to shut off the water supply at all identified water sources, which is sometimes challenging with some shut-off valves controlling multiple outlets. Additionally, alternative water supplies are being used as needed.”

The state requires lead found at any outlet above five parts per billion to be reported to the local health department within 24 hours, and parents, guardians, and staff members are required to be notified within 10 business days of receiving results. Within six weeks of receiving results, schools must post copies of lab reports with lead results and any remediation action taken by the district on the school’s website.

In its letter to parents/guardians, Fredonia also noted that the acceptable threshold has changed from the last round of testing the district completed in 2021, at which time the threshold was 15 parts per billion.

Zilliox stated, “When our retesting is complete, we will remediate any identified outlets and will not return them to service until they meet state thresholds and are marked appropriately. We will provide more information as it becomes available.”

Any questions can be directed to the District Office at (716) 679-1581.