Free Water Available at MHS Monday

School in Medford in Session as Planned Monday

Students Allowed to Bring up to 16oz. of Water to School

Story Updated 9:04AM, Monday, May 3, 2010

Video by Jack Dempsey

– Allison Goldsberry

School Superintendent Roy Belson announced on Sunday evening that the city of Medford will distribute free water to all Medford residents starting on Monday afternoon at 3:00PM. The distribution site is Medford High School.

In a statement Supt. Belson asked that residents do not arrive earlier than 3:00PM to pick up the water so that students and staff have enough time to clear the area and so there will be room for additional cars.

“Those wanting to take advantage of this offer should not come to the High School before 3:00 P.M. because the school area needs to be substantially cleared from student and staff traffic before additional vehicles can be allowed onto the site. There should be a substantial supply so there is no need to rush up to the site ahead of schedule,” said Supt. Belson.

Belson said school will be in session as planned on Monday. Hand sanitizer will be in all bathrooms and all water bubblers will be covered. Students will be allowed to bring up to 16 ounces of water for their own personal use.

In addition, the Food Services staff has planned a menu that will avoid the water safety issues. Staff will wash with boiled water, use sanitizer and gloves, and all trays and utensils will be sanitized.

Supt. Belson asks that parents explain the rules for drinking and washing to their children.

According to information from the MWRA, clean drinking water should be available within the next twenty-four to forty-eight hours. The leak in the pipe has been completely repaired and officials are currently performing water quality tests to determine if the water is safe to drink. In the mean time, the boil water order is still in effect.

The Massachusetts National Guard distributed free bottled water at several locations in the state on Sunday, including Medford High School (489 Winthrop Street).

It is unclear how much water was available and when they began distributing the water. One person who was at the high school around 2:30PM Sunday said it appeared the water was almost gone.

School Superintendent Roy Belson said the water was free and was available to the elderly and families with young children. One gallon of water per each person in the household was distributed until supplies were exhausted.