Water Back On at Sageville School After Tests Reveal Bacteria

By Katie Wiedemann, Reporter

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By Katie Wiedemann

Story Created: Jan 15, 2013 at 5:56 PM CDT

Story Updated: Jan 15, 2013 at 7:26 PM CDT

SAGEVILLE, Iowa — The water is back on and free of bacteria at one Dubuque-area elementary school.

Administrators at Sageville School turned off the water supply over the weekend after a weekly water test detected Coliform Bacteria. The school is part of the Dubuque Community School District, but it’s actually located outside the Dubuque city limits and they use well water.

The state requires the school to test the water each week.

Instead of running plastic trays through the dishwasher, students are using disposable trays. The water fountains have been off limits so students are drinking bottled water. “We decided just to be on the safe side to put the plastic and the paper in place for lunch,” said principal Jean McDonald.

This is the first time in more than 12 years the water tested positive for the bacteria.

It’s one of several challenges this city school faces because it’s located in the county. “We work with the Sheriff’s office instead of the city police, “ said McDonald.

Another test Tuesday showed the water is free of bacteria so the water is back on. As a precaution the school will do some extra testing next month.

No one at the school got sick from drinking the water.

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