VOORHEESVILLE — Following tests that found drinking-water lead levels over the state-mandated limit at three different locations in the elementary school, the Voorheesville School District will conduct more tests in the hopes of pinpointing the problem.

The tests were conducted ahead of a new state mandate; Voorheesville had last voluntarily checked lead levels in its water in 2007.

The school district had conducted tests in August using Pace Analytical, a laboratory with a location in Schenectady. The tests came back the morning of Sept. 7, the first day of school for students, revealing three sinks in the elementary school with levels of lead higher than the maximum of 15 parts per billion: one in the transportation office, one in a classroom, and one in the cafeteria’s kitchen. According to school superintendant Brian Hunt, the sinks were shut off that day, and the results were reported to the county health department.

Similar tests at the middle school and high school had results under the state-set limits.

While the transportation office and classroom sinks at the elementary school had readings of 15 and 18 parts per billion, respectively, the kitchen sink had a reported level of 1,800 parts per billion. Feeling that there had been an error in testing, the county advised retesting the kitchen sink due to its high levels.

According to Hunt, the initial tests were conducted as a “first draw” test in which a water sample was collected after immediately opening the tap; for the second test of the kitchen sink, the Latham-based firm CT Male conducted both first and second-draw tests the following Thursday, Sept. 8, in which a second sample was collected after the water flowed for 30 seconds. The next-day results show the first draw had 822 parts per billion, whereas the second draw has 10 parts per billion — below the state cut-off of 2015. The district issued a press release on the tests on Sept. 12.

According to Hunt, the nature of the results indicate the faucet could be the reason for the high lead levels, which is unusual as the faucet was installed this past May. The faucet was replaced on Tuesday.

In an emailed statement from the county, health commissioner Dr. Elizabeth Whalen said that the health department has sent out a field team to look into Voorheesville’s testing.

The results of Voorheesville’s lead testing follow new mandates on drinking water lead testing in schools across the state that were signed into law by Governor Andrew Cuomo on Sept. 6. All schools serving pre-kindergarten to grade five must conduct tests by Sept. 30, while schools serving grades six to 12 must conduct tests by Oct. 30. Schools that tested after Jan. 1, 2015, are exempt. Tests must be conducted at a minimum of every five years, according to a state press release.

Voorheesville had tested for lead in its water in 2007 through a voluntary program with the Environmental Protection Agency. According to Hunt, the levels met the standards, but those standards were different than those of today.

Bottled water is being provided in the kitchen and cafeteria at the elementary school for students and for cooking, Hunt said. The three sinks tested at higher lead levels have remained shut off, and any water fountains not tested have also been shut off.

Well over 100 tests will be conducted in the near future as every water source in the district will be tested or re-tested, Hunt said. He is not certain if more tests will follow these upcoming ones, and is uncertain what activity will have to take place regarding water sources with high lead levels, whether that is replacing faucets or replacing plumbing.

“We have to fix every spot which has a high level,” he said.

The original section of the elementary school was built in 1929, says Hunt. The high school was built in 1958, and the middle school was built in 2002.

The EPA first issued a rule limiting lead and copper in public drinking water in 1991 as part of the Safe Drinking Water Act. Plastic pipe, as opposed to lead, is now in wide use. According to the EPA, drinking water can make up to 20 percent or more of a person’s total exposure to lead. Even low levels of lead exposure in children can lead to behavior and learning problems, low IQ, slowed growth, hearing problems, and anemia. In rare cases, it may cause seizures, coma, or death. In pregnant women, lead exposure can affect the growth of the fetus or cause premature birth. Lead exposure in adults can lead to cardiovascular or kidney problems, or issues with reproduction.

The school district is hosting a forum to discuss the test results this coming Monday at 7 p.m. in the elementary school gym. Hunt says there will be representatives of both the testing firm and the county health department present.