The danger to children of using contaminated water is growing annually, as municipalities struggle under the weight of inadequate water quality and scientists increase their knowledge.
These twin developments have converged in public policy. Now, federal and state agencies are considering updates to long standing requirements for water quality management.
WCRIS has been monitoring these developments closely. It’s becoming more evident every day that schools that use private wells could potentially find themselves caught in a whirlwind of regulations, especially around water testing and purification. Those using private wells may potentially have to also manage and operate expensive (hundreds of thousands of dollars), complex filtering systems to comply with ever-changing water quality standards.
Because of the changing landscape, WCRIS suggests that schools that have the ability to connect to a public water supply should do so at the earliest opportunity.
This may be possible for many suburban schools. Any costs associated with such a connection will be far cheaper and safer than using a private well, according to informed observers.
We realize it may not be so easy for schools in rural areas of the state. That’s why WCRIS is working towards realistic regulations. While we all want safe drinking water, the path to get there needs to be attainable.
To help us advocate for you, WCRIS is collecting information about your school’s water supply.
If you think your school uses a private well, please fill out this short survey.
