Update: Oct. 27, 11:05 a.m.
The BayNet reached out to St. Mary’s County Public Schools (SMCPS) for an update on the water testing results released Oct. 23.
Dr. Jeff Walker , who is the assistant superintendent of Supporting Services for SMCPS told The Baynet “the school is taking the necessary steps to sanitize the water source.”
Walker also stated that the school has acquired the assistance of an outside contractor to help the school with the current water situation.
When Walker was asked if the students would miss more school due to the water results he replied, “we plan on having school in session the rest of the week.”
Leonardtown, MD – On Friday, October 23, 2015, our water testing consultant notified SMCPS that the water at Spring Ridge Middle School tested positive for coliform. The tests are done monthly at all schools that are on private wells for public health reasons.
Coliform is naturally occurring in the environment and is unlikely to cause illness. However, elevated levels of coliform are an indication that other bacteria may be present. To be clear, the water test did not indicate the presence of E. coli, which would be a more significant health concern.
Based on Friday’s water test results and as a precaution, the water fountains were shut down and bottled water was provided to students and staff. The water system at Spring Ridge Middle School was sanitized according to appropriate protocol over the weekend and the water was re-tested on Sunday, October 25, 2015.
Bottled water remained in place Monday and modifications were made to food service protocol to ensure student and staff health. On Monday afternoon,results from Sunday’s water test showed that coliform remained present in the water system.
There was still no presence of E.coli in the samples.
Out of an abundance of caution and due to the need to access various locations within the building to complete another sanitization of the water system, Spring Ridge Middle School will be closed on Tuesday, October 27, 2015. We fully expect to reopen school on Wednesday, October 28, 2015 with bottled water and appropriate modifications in the cafeteria for lunch.
This closing only affects Spring Ridge Middle School. All other public schools in St. Mary’s County will be open as usual, running a previously planned two hour early dismissal schedule.
