Water safety checks critical before schools reopen, expert warns

(Photo by Purdue University)

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — When Indiana schools shut down in mid-March so did the buildings’ water systems.

This, researchers say, could pose a threat as children head back to the classroom. 

“Small levels of bacteria are always present in drinking systems, but generally they are against the pipes or water tank walls,” Dr. Andrew Whelton, associate professor of environmental and ecological engineering at Purdue University, told News 8. “If the water is stagnated, meaning it doesn’t move, the water gets warm and the chlorine or other disinfectants disappear. The can happen in as little as a two-day weekend.”

Schools’ water supplies have been stagnant for almost five months.

Whelton and his colleague, Dr. Caitlin Proctor — also of Purdue University — specialize in water safety. They teamed up with the Indiana State Department of Health to advise school districts across the country on how to make sure water systems are safe as schools reopen.

Water systems are complex. Plumbing components to check include sinks, restrooms, water fountains, locker room showers, and, if the district has athletic centers, hot tubs and pools. If not cleansed properly, the water creates a high risk of exposure to bacteria and metals such as lead and copper.

Side effects of exposure range from nausea and vomiting to respiratory illnesses and infection. Exposure occurs by drinking contaminated water and inhaling mist droplets as well as permeation through the skin. Toxins can also enter through a person’s eyes. 

There’s also another issue Hoosiers need to be aware of, Whelton said. 

“We have water that’s called ‘high-dissolved inorganic carbon’ because most of it is groundwater and that causes pipe corrosion. Two years ago my team and I found extensive copper contamination throughout one of Indiana’s entire school water systems. It had been there for months, but nobody knew because it was never tested.”

Which leads to another issue: Required, systematic testing doesn’t exist in Indiana. But luckily, Whelton said, schools have voluntarily reached out to him for guidance.

“We really need to focus on schools. Kids, parents and teachers are at risk if we don’t help and we have to protect them. The last thing we want is a water-borne disease outbreak, especially one we know can be prevented.”