MATTAPOISETT — Superintendent Michael S. Nelson wishes to provide an update regarding the current boil water order which is affecting five of the six district schools.
Old Rochester Regional High School, Old Rochester Regional Junior High School, Center School, Old Hammondtown School and Sippican School remain affected by the boil water order. The district has implemented all needed safety measures at these schools in regards to facilities work and food operations and continues to work accordingly with Tri-Town officials.
Bottled water and hand sanitizer is being made available for students at the affected schools. All water that is used for cooking or drinking is boiled before use. Additionally, drinking fountains and water refill stations remain closed at the affected schools and will not be reopened until the boil water order is lifted.
“We are continuing to follow all of the guidance and directives provided to us by Tri-Town officials in response to the boil water order, and will continue to do so until we are informed that the water is safe to use,” Superintendent Nelson said. “The safety of those in our schools remains our top priority and I would like to thank Facilities Director Gene Jones and his staff for ensuring our students and staff have access to bottled water and hand sanitizer, and Director of Food Services Jill Henesey and her staff for their continued work providing meals to our students.”
Parents or guardians with any concerns regarding the safety measures being implemented at the schools are encouraged to contact their building principal.
The Rochester Memorial School community is also reminded that the school uses well water rather than public water and is therefore not affected by the boil water order. Water being used in the building remains safe.
The boil water order was issued after multiple samples throughout the Mattapoisett River Valley Water District collected on Tuesday, Oct. 5 tested positive for E. coli. The towns of Marion, Mattapoisett and Fairhaven, as well as Rochester residents served by Marion municipal water, remain under boil water orders.
In accordance with the requirements of the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) order and testing schedule, additional water sampling and testing will take place in the towns on Tuesday, Oct. 12; Wednesday, Oct. 13; and Thursday, Oct. 14. The boil water order will remain in effect until testing has shown that the water is safe to use.
Updated information about the boil water order and guidance can be found on the respective towns’ websites:
The DEP offers additional information and guidance regarding drinking water and public health orders here.
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