EAST FISHKILL – Some of the sinks and drinking fountains at four buildings at the Hudson Valley Research Park in East Fishkill have tested above the state Health Department’s action level for lead. The testing was conducted by the Dutchess County Water and Wastewater Authority, which suppies water to the site.

IBM has begun discussions with the DCWWA and Dutchess County Health Department to initiate a process of retesting and investigation.

DCWWA Executive Director Bridget Barclay told MidHudsonNews.com that while levels are higher than allowable, the problem is not that severe.

 “It is known there are health effects from being exposed to high levels of lead. Generally the regulatory agency don’t consider the volume of lead you’re going to get from drinking water to be a significant source of exposure,” she said. “The regulations require that we advise people of the levels of lead and of the specific things they can do to minimize that.”

The water fountains in buildings 304, 326, 334 and 338 are still on; however, employees are being urged to drink from water coolers. IBM has requested that the cafeteria services vendor flush water faucets within the cafeteria extensively on a daily basis prior to food preparation.

All hot and cold beverage vending machines using municipal water will be shut down and alternate arrangements will be made.

The Dutchess County water line that runs to the research park is less than three years old, so Barclay said it is likely the source of the lead is from pipes in the buildings or in the distribution system at the facility.