Report Details Lead Levels At River Edge And Oradell Schools

ORADELL, NJ — The Oradell, River Edge, and River Dell Regional schools districts are three of dozens included in a report highlighting the prevalence of lead in water supplies in school districts released by Rep. Josh Gottheimer Monday.

The report analyzes every school district in the Fifth District, which Gottheimer represents, for their compliance with New Jersey's lead water reporting law.

For the River Dell Regional School District, four of 323 samples at River Dell Middle School tested above 15 parts per billion, as did one of 23 samples taken at the high school, according to the report. The contaminated water sources have been remediated. Samples here were taken in January.

In Oradell, water from a sink tested at 16.8 parts per billion, more than the U.S.-action level of 15 parts per billion. Testing was last conducted in April 2017.

In River Edge, all samples tested under the 15 parts per billion level. Tested was last done in March 2017.

Of the 85 Fifth District schools, 19 percent did not report the results of lead testing on their website. Of the 81 percent that did, 46 indicated at least one outlet in the district had a problem with lead in the water.

"I believe it is essential that parents, teachers, and administrators have all of the information at their fingertips about lead levels in their schools, so they are well-informed about potential health issues their children may face, and communities can take necessary measures," Gottheimer said.

Gottheimer and Gov. Phil Murphy announced several initiatives Monday designed to strengthen the state's response to lead testing and fix elevated lead levels in drinking water in New Jersey schools. Those initiatives include requiring schools to test for lead every three years.

For more information about the initiatives or to view Gottheimer's complete report, click here.

Email: daniel.hubbard@patch.com