Unsafe lead levels found in Woodfern School water

By Eileen Oldfield
   Water at Woodfern Elementary School has been declared unsafe for drinking and cooking, after two of 10 annual water-quality tests showed higher-than-acceptable levels of lead, according to a press released issued by the school district Friday afternoon.
   The water cannot be tested again until early January 2009 as per a state requirement, according to the release.
   Though the water is safe for hand washing, it cannot be used for drinking or cooking. Water fountains at the school have been turned off or covered, and the district’s food service provider, Sodexho, provided water containers that were placed next to the school’s water fountains and 30 cases of 8-ounce water bottles. Sodexho also provided fresh water for cooking, and pans and cooking utensils will be washed off site.
   Woodfern Elementary School uses well water, which is tested for various contaminants each year. District Superintendent Edward Forsthoffer received the information regarding the lead levels late Wednesday evening, according to the release. District personnel spent most of Thursday covering or turning off the fountains, and setting up the containers.
   Dr. Forsthoffer met with the school’s faculty to review the situation and procedures to ensure all students drink from the designated water containers, according to the release.
   District administrators contacted Scott Somer, compliance manager of McGowan Well Water Compliance Management, LLC, to develop a plan to correct the lead levels. The administration met with a township representative and members of the health department.
   District officials could not be reached for comment Friday afternoon.