Water sample comes back clean at Sturgeon Creek annex

Principal Jerry O’Leary is staying positive the water once again will be safe at the Sturgeon Creek annex in Stratton after a sample came back “clean” on Monday.
“They tested again today as we have to get two tests back with positive results. But we should find out in a couple of days,” he said yesterday.
“Hopefully, we can put an end to this story,” he added.
The school has been under a boil-water advisory from the Northwestern Health Unit since Sept. 8, forcing students and staff to drink bottled water supplied by the Rainy River District School Board.
Traces of coliform, a bacteria which can cause severe ’flu-like symptoms like vomiting and diarrhea, was detected in the water supply.
A chlorination system was installed there over a week ago to clean up the water, which is drawn from a well.
Meanwhile, the water has remained clear at Sturgeon Creek School in Barwick since Sept. 20. “We had two tests since then, and everything’s been okay,” noted O’Leary, who also is principal there.
A chlorination system eventually will be installed at the Barwick school but it has been slightly delayed as a fitting for the deep well’s submersible pump is being ordered.
The board has ensured all schools supplied by wells will be stocked with reserve water from now on. And Sturgeon Creek will be the last school in the district to get a chlorination system.