School District 73 has found a solution to its drinking water problems.
The district will be installing lead-filtered water stations in every district school in time for the next school year after continued concerns were expressed by parents.
The project will see one or two filtered drinking stations installed in every school, depending on the size of the school, the district said.
School District 73 implemented a district-wide flushing protocol last year after elevated lead levels were discovered in water samples.
According to School District 73, the problem occurs when water sits in pipes overnight or through the weekend and comes into prolonged contact with lead pipe solder commonly used in plumbing systems constructed before 1990.
“It’s clear that parents want this option for their children,” said Supt. Alison Sidow. “More than 17 parent advisory committees (PACs) had already found money to have these units installed in their schools, and other PACs continue to fundraise to explore the option.
"This will ensure that all students in every one of our schools have equitable access to the safest possible drinking water.”
Trustees approved the capital plan at Monday’s board meeting. The proposal was brought to the board for consideration in-camera as the project must go to public tender.
School District 73 said PACs that have already invested in filtration units for their schools will be reimbursed once the tender process is complete and final costs are ascertained.
