Canyon Elementary still searching for source of contaminated water

CATALDO — Canyon Elementary School is still working to pinpoint exactly which area of the school’s water system is responsible for the contaminated water sample that was taken on Oct. 15.

Canyon Elementary School released a statement on Oct. 20, letting families of its students know of the presence of E. Coli bacteria found during the routine water sample. Panhandle Health District confirms that the presence of E. Coli in water is a strong indicator of sewage or animal waste contamination, although that has not yet been determined in this instance.

Thankfully, testing did confirm that the contaminants were not coming from inside of the school's new well, which was just put in earlier this year.

The school reported that following the results of contamination, the schools water system was then drained and a chlorination flush was performed; however, test results after the chlorination still showed the presence of E. Coli bacteria in the water.

In the interim, students and staff at Canyon have been provided with bottled water to drink, as well as using hand sanitizer in order to keep kids free of germs while they anticipate the arrival of a new hand washing station, which is set to be delivered at any time.

The kitchen staff is also using bottled water for food prep, as well as boiling water for larger needs.

Kellogg School District’s Superintendent Lance Pearson said that further samples were taken from the reservoir tank at the beginning of this week, which is where officials believe may be the problem area.

“There was a sediment sample that was taken off of the bottom of the tank, and they are refilling it and taking a sample to see if it's clear,” Pearson said. “There were also several deficiencies that Panhandle Health found during testing, so we will also make sure that those are all fixed before we let the kids drink the water. We’re not sure that we have it yet, but we’re going to keep going until we do.”

Although results were not available as of press time, it is expected to be released within the next few days. After the issue is found, Pearson explained that there is a likelihood that Canyon may have to close the building to students while the water system is shut off and repairs are made.

“On the short side, we’re looking at one to two days, and on the long side four to five days,” he said. “Our main focus is, we want to fix this for the long haul.”

Pearson went on to say that due to COVID, the arrival of replacement parts is unknown, making it hard to determine when the shutdown would be, although he said he would like to have the problem solved within the next few weeks.

“It’s really important to me that we get Canyon fixed. I know they've had a long history of water issues, and it's time to be done with it,” Pearson said. “Our main concern is making sure that nobody gets sick. That's the priority, and then also making sure that this is fixed for the long haul.”

The News-Press will provide more information as it becomes available.