Officials are still concerned about the water at one Butler Area School District elementary school.
The district says the water at Summit Township Elementary was tested in late February and one sample revealed a level of copper that was above the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection’s action level.
“Copper levels in excess of the action level typically are caused by water that has been stagnant in the lines leading to the drinking water fixtures,” Superintendent Brian White wrote in a letter to parents dated March 15. “In order to ensure that the water does not contain an excessive level of copper, it is important for consumers to flush the drinking water fixtures for a short period of time to move fresh water to the fixture. Moving forward, we will ensure that we flush the faucets at Summit Elementary each day before school.”
According to the DEP, copper is not considered a contaminant but it is tested to determine if water is corrosive. The letter states:
“Copper is an essential nutrient, but some people who drink water containing copper in excess of the action level over a relatively short amount of time could experience gastrointestinal distress. Some people who drink water containing copper in excess of the action level over many years could suffer liver or kidney damage. People with Wilson’s Disease should consult their personal doctor.”
The tests did not show any traces of lead in the water. Summit Elementary now receives water service from Pennsylvania American Water.
“After obtaining potable water service from PA American Water for Summit Elementary, Butler Area School District has continued to conduct testing of the water at the school to ensure that the elevated lead issues associated with the well water previously used at the school would not reoccur,” White said in the letter.
Summit Elementary School was closed for about a year because of high levels of lead and copper in the water. Students returned to the school in January. The school used to use a well to receive its water, but is now connected to a public water line.
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