CHARLESTON, W.Va. — The Kanawha County school system announced Friday evening that it would return to normal operations next week by using tap water. The system sent the following open letter to parents:
Dear Parents,
Kanawha County Schools has worked with the West Virginia National Guard and others to test water at our schools several times for traces of the chemical MCHM. During the latest round of testing, all schools received a non-detect reading for MCHM at 2 parts per billion (ppb). In addition, the US Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has declared the water to be safe. The 2 parts per billion is 500 times more protective than the CDC’s public safety guideline.
Beginning this coming week, Kanawha County Schools will return to normal operating conditions.
Bottled water will be available to students in schools as long as supplies last. Hand Sanitizer will be available as well. Parents have the option of sending in bottled water with their children and packing their lunches. Parents should send a note to the teacher/principal if they do not wish their child to use the water fountain.
Thank you for your patience and understanding during this challenging time.