Several recent tests of water in the South Butler County School District have caused administrators to take action.
According to Superintendent Dr. David Foley, a test of 27 samples for lead resulted in five water fountains with levels above acceptable limits. Those fountains have not been in use due to COVID precautions and will continue to not be used. The district has received a grant they plan to use to purchase 45 water cooler bottle filling stations.
Administrators decided to test for the presence of Legionella bacteria as well after hearing about another local district testing positive. The results received at 3 p.m. Wednesday indicated elevated readings at the South Butler Primary and Intermediate Elementary Schools. Legionella can cause Legionaires Disease but no one in the schools has reported any related illness. Because the bacteria grow in warm water, the hot water has been shut off in those two buildings and student will temporarily be washing their hands with soap and cold water. Hand sanitizer will also be provided to avoid residual germs.
Additional testing is planned through the district’s water testing provider Intertek PSI with administrators relying on the advice of their water experts.