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School water unsafe
to drink
Thursday, April 4, 2002Ê
By Martha Bisacchi / Gary Post-Tribune correspondent
ROSELAWN Ñ A spokeswoman for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency advised Lincoln Elementary School students and staff Wednesday to drink bottled water, saying the school water is contaminated with a gasoline additive.
Phillipa Cannon said an EPA advisory states any drinking water with more than 20 to 40 parts per billion of the additive methyl tertiary butyl ether shouldn't be consumed. Lincoln Elementary's water was recently tested at 350 parts per billion.
While some parents expressed concern that the water may be causing illnesses such as severe nosebleeds and migraines in their children, Cannon said a toxicologist does not anticipate any serious health concerns at the school.
The water contamination may have extended beyond the school, however, as all of the homes in the Roselawn area have wells.
The Indiana Department of Environmental Management took random water samples of homes in the neighborhood near the school on Wednesday. Keri McGrath of IDEM said it will take seven to 10 days to receive the results from the water samples.
McGrath said if the home wells are contaminated, the state will pay for water filters. IDEM would then try to recoup the costs of the water filters from the responsible party.
North Newton Schools Superintendent Lou Lindinger said he ordered the school's water to be tested after receiving a complaint that a gasoline station tank had leaked gas.
When the water test came back at 350 parts per billion of the additive, the school corporation supplied bottled water for students and staff. Even the floors at the school are mopped with bottled water. The well water is only used for flushing toilets, he said.
The gasoline additives contaminate groundwater by either a gasoline spill or a leaking underground gasoline storage tank. IDEM has two employees checking out two possible sources of contamination.
Vicki Anderson, a school mother and neighbor, wonders whether the odor from the contaminated water might be causing her 10-year-old son's migraine headaches.
Anderson also wonders if the water contamination will affect people trying to sell homes in the neighborhood.
Dana Allbritten, also a school parent and neighbor, has already contacted a laboratory to test his water.
The EPA suggests that if you want your water tested you should contact IDEM and get a list of certified labs. IDEM's toll free number is 800-451-6027.
Martha Bisacchi may be reached by e-mail at marthabisacchi@yahoo.com.