The water supply at Charlotte Amalie High School and Joseph Sibilly School has been deemed "safe for use" by the Education Department.
In a brief statement issued Tuesday, Education Commissioner Ruby Simmonds
said the latest laboratory tests revealed no exceedances of any chemical or volatile organic compounds. "Even though the first set of test from the Sibilly school revealed very low levels of chemicals in the water, we decided to take every precaution, including preventing use of the water at those facilities," Simmonds said.
Charcoal filters were used to remove the trace elements which showed up in the first tests. "We are pleased to inform the public that the latest tests show no exceedances," she said.
Simmonds said the department erred on the side of extreme caution, although assurances had been given by the lab that conducts the testing that the water was safe for washing hands and faces.
The lab manager has assured the department, Simmonds said, that based on the results of the testing, the water supply at both public schools may be used for both drinking and cooking.
