EGG HARBOR TOWNSHIP – The Egg Harbor Township School District announced its drinking water has successfully passed two rounds of water quality testing, according to a district press release.
All schools were tested in June and early July and received 100 percent passing levels. The tests looked for contaminants such as lead and were conducted in advance of a July 2017 state-imposed deadline.
“Only a little less than 5 percent showed possible issues in the first round and the second round, a more rigorous round, showed no issues at all,” said District Energy Manager Shawn Braue.
He said Facilities Director John Mangino and his department conducted the tests.
“The district wants all to know we have safe and clean water,” he said. “We are happy to have clean water but we are also resolved to ensure if we have any issues arise we will fix it so our community can feel safe sending their loved ones to school.”
The results will be posted on the district website or through Sustainable Jersey for Schools applications.
Lead-contaminated water poses serious risks, especially for children, including intelligence, ability to pay attention and academic achievement, Education Commissioner David Hespe said.
In June, Braue also updated the school board on the performance of the district’s energy savings initiatives.
In the five years since the program began, an estimated $7,327,436 dollars has been saved, he said.
Braue also reminded the board that it received several recent certifications and accolades from Department of Environmental Protection Agency Energy Star Building Certification Program, Enernoc Demand Response Program and Sustainable Jersey for Schools Programs. To date, the district has received more than $47,000 in payments for participating in a Demand Response program to help the region in the event of an electrical brown- or black-out, he said.