For immediate release: May 13, 2008 (08-074)

Contacts:
Allison Cook, Communications Office 360-236-4022
Erling Birkland, Yelm Community Schools 360-458-1900

OLYMPIA ¾ Prairie Elementary School near Yelm is providing bottled water for students and staff as the school addresses a problem with its drinking water supply.

On Monday the school in rural southeastern Thurston County was notified that tests confirmed total coliform bacteria in the water supply. Total coliforms are harmless bacteria that are natural in the environment and may indicate that other contaminants have entered the water.

The problem was discovered through routine water quality testing required by the state Department of Health. The school has taped-over water fountains, posted "do not drink" warnings, and notified families and staff about the situation. Bottled water will be provided until the problem is resolved. No other schools or nearby homes are affected.

"We’re providing bottled water because we don’t want to take any chances with the health of our students and staff," said Erling Birkland, director of facilities for Yelm Community Schools. "We want to assure families that we’re doing everything we can to restore safe drinking water to Prairie Elementary School."

The Department of Health’s Office of Drinking Water has asked the school’s water system operator to inspect and disinfect the well and storage tank, then have the water re-tested. That process is likely to take at least a couple of weeks.