All public schools are required to test all potable water sources for lead and other contaminants. These sources include drinking fountains and sinks in all classrooms, restrooms, kitchens, and outlying buildings.

Water samples are required to be taken by a NYS certified agency according to strict guidelines. Schools are required to test “first draw” samples from each cold water outlet after the water was motionless for at least eight hours but no more than 18 hours. 

Results of a water sample collected at Galway Central School District on June 23, 2021 showed higher levels of chloride and sodium than the standard. While this is not an immediate risk or emergency situation, the district would like to keep students, parents, faculty, and staff informed. 

Chloride is naturally occurring and also contained in road salt. The standard level of chloride in drinking water is 250 milligrams per liter and is based on chloride’s effects on the taste and odor of the water. The Galway sample showed 320 mg/l. 

Sodium is also naturally occurring and found in road salt and water softeners. Water containing more than 20 mg/l of sodium should not be used for drinking by people on severely restricted sodium diets. Galway’s sodium was detected at 130 mg/l. 

What does this mean?

Chloride is essential for maintaining good health. Research has not conclusively demonstrated that human exposure to chloride itself causes adverse health effects, although exposure to high levels of certain chloride salts has been associated with adverse health effects in humans. For example, high dietary intake of sodium chloride can be a contributing factor to high blood pressure, but this has been attributed mainly to the presence of sodium. 

The district will continue to monitor in accordance with Department of Health requirements and provide updates as needed.
For more information on the district's water testing notifications, please click here.