Published: August 20, 2008 12:01 am            

Schools’ water gets OK

Maconaquah’s water supply previously tested positive for bacteria

BUNKER HILL — Maconaquah School officials expect to be able to use the school’s water today, after receiving clear results on water tests Tuesday.

Tests of the schools’ water conducted Thursday revealed bacteria in the water supply at Maconaquah Elementary School, along with the middle school and high school. Only Pipe Creek Elementary’s water supply was not affected.

A second test Friday confirmed Thursday’s results, and showed bacteria in the water tower, which supplies water to the three affected buildings.

Though the Indiana Department of Environmental Management approved using the water, Superintendent Debra Jones put precautionary measures in place. School officials emptied and shut off all ice machines, chlorinated the water and placed water coolers and cups throughout the school.

Superintendent Debra Jones said the school continued to provide bottled water for school and staff Tuesday, and continued boiling water for cooking, and sent another sample for testing.

“We’re anticipating another all clear,” she said, adding that she expects to remove the water coolers today.

Jones had no idea how much it cost yet to provide the bottled water and to flush out the water system and drain and flush the water tower.

She said everyone was cooperative during the process, and there was no panic.

“A lot of our students brought water to school. We did not see a decline in attendance. Everyone seemed to understand that procedures were in place to make sure everyone was safe.”

Danielle Rush may be reached at (765) 454-8585 or via e-mail at danielle.rush@kokomotribune.com

        

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