In the meantime, all the school’s water fountains and sinks have been closed down, and students are drinking bottled water and using portable hand-washing stations.
Toilets remain in use.
The school, 7145 N. Lannon Road, depends on a private well instead of municipal water.
Denise Dorn Lindberg, public information officer with the school district, said the contamination was found during September’s routine water testing.
No one became ill as a result of the contaminated water, Dorn Lindberg said.
“It’s significant for us and will certainly have an impact on the district,” Lindberg said about the expense.
“But in terms of the safety and well-being of our students, it’s something we need to take care of.” Some residential properties near the school are experiencing water contamination as well.
If they also hook up to municipal water, Lindberg said the school district could be partially reimbursed for its up-front cost.
The state Department of Natural Resources suggested that the school district apply for an emergency water grant.
Lindberg said she’s not yet sure whether the situation is urgent enough to qualify.