January 26, 2026
Dear Families and Staff:
I would like to provide an update on the ongoing measures at the NYC Department of Education (DOE) to ensure that the water in our schools is safe for students and staff.
First and foremost, New York City water is safe. Families and staff should rest assured that our drinking water is of the highest quality in the world. New York City’s water meets or exceeds all Federal and State standards. In addition, the DOE works with other City agencies to ensure there is safe drinking water in schools. The safety and well-being of students and staff is our highest priority.
In accordance with state law, all schools must test for lead in water every three years. Starting in 2026, the DOE will begin a new testing cycle, which will conclude in December 2028. In the first phase (Cohort 2026) of this testing cycle, a third of buildings will be tested.
Your school building has been selected to be a part of the 2026 cohort. Once the building has been tested and the lab results received, you will receive a notification of the results. In any building where test results show even one water outlet above the action level, the DOE will implement its standard response protocol.
Please visit https://www.schools.nyc.gov/school-life/space-and-facilities/space-and-facilities-reports/water-safety to learn more about the robust protocol we use to ensure the safety of drinking water in each and every school.
Sincerely yours,