FACE to replace plumbing after lead found in water
Students, staff have been drinking bottled water for nearly two weeks
Students and staff at FACE are still drinking bottled water almost two weeks after concerns surfaced that the water supply was contaminated by lead.
The school board says it doesn't want to take any chances and is in the process of replacing all the plumbing.
The discovery was made after tests were done on the water following work on the school's plumbing system.
Administrators at the school then shut off the water and consulted the province's public health department.
They tested 11 samples from different water sources in the school.
Nine showed acceptable levels, one was slightly over the limit and another, which came from a classroom sink on the school's fourth floor, was much higher than the accepted norms.
Public health, however, doesn't believe it poses a risk to students.
Geneviève Dodin has two children in elementary school at FACE and said she is pleased the school is taking measures to fix the problem.
"You know, it's unfortunate but it's good to have it done finally," she said.
But she added she is concerned about the time the school took to alert parents.
The school announced its water fountains were off limits Monday, May 9, but only notified parents the following Thursday.
with files from Lauren Mccallum