According to a news source, all Mohawk district schools are closed today after receiving positive results of the potentially deadly E. Coli bacteria contaminating the water at the districts high school location.
The districts elementary school is provided water from a different system and their water remains uncontaminated, however the school is still closed.
After the heavy rain we have received in the area over the past few days, it’s not surprising that some water sources have become contaminated, many times due to overflowing sewers.
The schools superintendent released the following statement:
“This message is to inform you that school will be canceled for tomorrow, Wednesday, January 18th. Due to the flash flooding and heavy rains of last week, the well system at the high school complex sustained some damage, and some testing samples came back beyond the allowable DEP thresholds. The District is working with our well company and the Department of Environmental Protection to tie the high school into the elementary well. The elementary school runs on a completely separate water system and has passed all tests as required by the Department of Environmental Protection. However, the entire district will be closed as there will be mechanical work being conducted that the contractors will be better able to be complete without any students or activity on campus. Also, the district must test water samples for two days after tying into the system in order to meet Department of Environmental Protection regulations. The district is taking all precautions to ensure water quality in the high school, and is taking a measured and cautious approach to ensure student safety. Please check back here each day for updates on the situation. While the cancellations are inconvenient, we appreciate your cooperation as we ensure the best learning environment possible for your child. Again, school will be cancelled for tomorrow, Wednesday, January 18th.”
The school doesn’t need to stay closed as long as they provide safe drinking and hand washing water, according to the DEP regional office.
The boil advisory won’t be lifted until the water has been clean for two straight days.
Sidenote: The basketball game between Lincoln and Mohawk tonight will be played at Geneva College.
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