Lead Service Lines at JOHN F KENNEDY HIGH SCHOOL
What you need to know
JOHN F KENNEDY HIGH SCHOOL serves 840 people in New York. The school has inventoried 10 service lines—the pipes that connect the building to the public water main—and found 1 confirmed lead service line.
Seven additional lines are still classified as "unknown," meaning the material hasn't been definitively identified yet. Two lines are confirmed non-lead.
Why this matters
Lead service lines can leach lead into drinking water, especially in acidic water or when water sits in pipes overnight. Lead exposure carries real health risks, particularly for children and pregnant people. Even if your building has only one confirmed lead line, it's important to know about it and take steps to reduce exposure.
What's being done
The school has completed an initial inventory of its service lines. However, the inventory status shows that replacement plans have not yet been finalized, and it's unclear whether the school has received funding for lead line replacement.
Because seven lines remain "unknown," the next priority is determining what those pipes are made of—a critical step before planning replacements.
What residents and staff can do now
If you live or work at this school:
- Ask your facilities or maintenance office for the full inventory results and the timeline for identifying the seven unknown lines.
- Use a filter: Until service lines are replaced, NSF-certified filters that reduce lead (marked "NSF 53" or "NSF 42 for lead") can lower your exposure. Change filters on schedule.
- Flush your tap: Let cold water run for 30 seconds before drinking or cooking, especially after water has sat overnight.
- Avoid hot tap water for drinking or cooking, since lead leaches more readily in hot water.
If anyone in your household is pregnant or you have young children, talk to your pediatrician about testing.
Next steps for residents
- Contact the school's facilities or maintenance department to request the full lead service line inventory and a timeline for replacements.
- Ask specifically about plans to identify and replace the seven "unknown" lines.
- Install and maintain an NSF-certified lead-reduction filter on your tap.
- Reach out to your local health department if you have questions about water testing.
Key figures
| Total inventoried lines | 10 |
|---|---|
| BIL/IIJA funding received | — |
| Replacement plan status | Not reported |
| Utility's LCRR inventory | Not provided |
Frequently asked
Does this school have lead pipes?
Yes, 1 confirmed lead service line has been identified. Seven additional lines have unknown material. The school is still working to identify all pipes and plan replacements.
Is the water safe to drink at this school?
Lead exposure risk exists wherever lead service lines are present. You can reduce exposure by using NSF-certified filters, flushing your tap for 30 seconds before drinking, and avoiding hot tap water for consumption. If you're concerned about health effects, consult your pediatrician or doctor.
When will the lead pipes be replaced?
A replacement timeline has not yet been published. Contact the school's facilities department to ask about plans and expected completion dates.
What can I do right now if I'm worried about lead in the water?
Use an NSF-certified lead-reduction filter, let cold water run for 30 seconds before drinking, and avoid using hot tap water for drinking or cooking. These steps can significantly reduce lead exposure while waiting for pipe replacement.