Northview High Warns Parents Of Water Issue, Potential Health Concerns

September 16, 2015

Northview High School and the Escambia County School District are warning parents about a potential health problem resulting from a water supply issue Wednesday.

According to Principal Gayle Weaver, a contractor had injected chemicals into the water supply for testing purposes. An item known as a “backflow preventer” is supposed to prevent the chemicals from releasing into the main water supply.

”This system failed,” Weaver said. “The indication of the release was a very slight pink discoloration of the water.”

The chemical in the main supply was in a very diluted state, but as a precaution students  were prevented from having skin contact with water.  They were allowed to use the restroom, but were required to use hand sanitizer instead of water to wash their hands.

Northview was in constant contact with the offices of the superintendent and other officials in order to obtain the necessary manpower and resources to quickly address the situation.  The school also compiled a list of students that may have consumed water from water fountains prior to the discover of the situation.

“No students visited the clinic or sought assistance for any symptoms associated with the chemical,” the principal said.

Weaver said any student that has symptoms such as rash or irritation of the skin should seek medical attention. The student’s physician can call (850) 327-4894 or (334) 248-1275 for an emailed copy of the MSDS sheets on the chemical.

“(Thursday) and Friday mornings, the health department will do tests on the water to determine water safety.  We will know Monday morning, if all is clear, for there must be two consecutive negative test results for clearance,” she said. “In the meantime, we will have district-furnished hand sanitizer and bottled water for all needs.  In addition the lunchroom will not be using the school water for food preparation.”

School will not be canceled and will be in session as usual.

“Your student’s safety is our utmost concern,” Weaver added. “We are doing and will continue to do everything possible to protect their health.”

Comments

4 Responses to “Northview High Warns Parents Of Water Issue, Potential Health Concerns”

  1. Wade on September 18th, 2015 8:48 pm

    William, would you be able to get info on what chemicals were used? MSDS?

  2. Grandma on September 17th, 2015 11:38 am

    Contract should have specified testing ONLY on weekends! Whoever wrote the contract for the work did not think it through!

  3. Taree Hugger on September 16th, 2015 10:27 pm

    Let’s inject some chemicals in the school water and see if this thingy we put in keeps it from poisoning students. What could possibly go wrong?

  4. chris on September 16th, 2015 10:04 pm

    whoops!

Written by William Reynolds · Filed Under News