Schools To Reopen As Boil Water Advisory Continues

The Pennsbury School District plans to reopen its buildings Monday as a boil water advisory continues.

Eight of the school district’s 15 buildings are impacted by the boil water advisory have alternate plans for water, the district said.

Officials from Pennsylvania American Water said the higher-than-normal water turbidity levels were related to a mechanical control issue that was being stabilized as of Sunday morning.

“We will consult today with the Department of Environmental Protection to begin the process of conducting water sampling throughout the distribution system, which is required before the boil water advisory can be lifted. DEP regulations require two consecutive days of sampling results with no signs of bacteria in order to lift the advisory. In the meantime, the boil water advisory remains in effect,” Pennsylvania American Water said in a press release.

The ongoing boil water advisory has been impacting customers in Lower Makefield and Yardley Borough. It also impacts a number of customers in Falls Township, mainly above Route 1. Customers served by the Township of Falls Authority and Lower Bucks County Joint Municipal Authority have not been impacted.

The turbidity of water has to do with its cloudiness and how many suspended solids are in the supply. A high turbidity level can increase the risk of disease-causing organisms.

Pennsylvania American Water has also provided potable water for customers impacted by the problem. Water trucks have been stationed from between 6 p.m. and 10 p.m.  at the Yardley-Makefield Fire Company stations at 105 South Main Street in Yardley and 652 Stony Hill Road in Lower Makefield, the Big Oak Shopping Center at 1641 Big Oak Road in Lower Makefield, the Village Market at 599 Washington Crossing Road in Lower Makfield, and Gas Light Village at 85 Makefield Road in Falls Township.

Pennsbury Superintendent Dr. William Gretzula said the district’s team has been in communication with the Bucks County Department of Health and Pennsylvania American Water officials over the past few days.

The water company will be delivering 1,500-bottle pallets to Pennsbury’s impacted schools for use by students and staff. In addition, distribution plans for each building will be mapped out.

Tap water remains safe for hand washing. Students and staff will also have to use hand sanitizer after washing their hands.

“When asked about students washing their hands, especially our youngest members, [Bucks County Health Director Dr. David Damsker] reassured us that splashing/rinsing water is not a likely exposure point. Ingesting, or drinking, the water is the biggest exposure risk,” Gretzula wrote in a letter to the community.

For food service, the district have plans in place to sanitize items, serve a modified menu, and bring in ice made from water not impacted by the higher turbidity levels. Steaming vegetables and possible is safe because the water will reach a temperature that will ensure the water is clean, Gretzula went on to say.

The boil water advisory began Thursday evening and is expected to last at least a day longer.