Gardiner - Randolph - Pittston - West Gardiner

Maine School Administrative District No. 11

150 Highland Avenue
Gardiner, ME 04345
Patricia Hopkins Phone: 20_-582-5346 Katherine joseph
Superintendent of Schools Fax: 207-582-8305 Director of Curriculum 8: Instruction

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April 24, 2017

Dear Helen Thompson School Parents/Guardians:

This morning we received of?cial noti?cation from the Maine Drinking Water Program that the
level of arsenic in the Helen Thompson School well exceeded the acceptable limit of 10 parts per
billion. As a result, effective immediately, a DO NOT DRINK THE WATER order has been put
in place.

Water has been brought in from outside sources to be used for cooking and drinking. Every
classroom has been provided with a jug of drinking water for students and staff.

This Thursday afternoon, the media in the school ?ltration system will be changed out in our
tanks. Once this system is replaced a con?rmation arsenic sample will be collected. When the
result is known, and if it is below the acceptable limit, the DO NOT DRINK THE WATER order
will be lifted.

Looking forward, the water at the Helen Thompson School will be put on an increased testing
cycle, which will be completed quarterly rather than annually. This will continue until our test
results stay within the recommended limits as required by the State.

Anyone with questions should contact Jon Stonier, Director of Operations and Maintenance at
582-6663. For more information, you may also go to the State Drinking Water web site at


    

Patricia HOpkin
Superintendent of Schools