E.coli Threat for Schools
Last updated 6/24/2017 at 9am
Five years ago, Governor Jerry Brown signed legislation making California the first state in the nation to declare access to clean safe drinking water a fundamental human right.
But NBC 7 Investigates' months-long investigation has found that is a broken promise to more than 18,000 school children, and 3,000 San Diegans living in poorer, rural communities like Boulevard, Potrero and Borrego Springs after reports of at least one potential case of E. coli-related illness being reported at Clover Flat Elementary in Boulevard, confirmed health officials.
According to NBC 7, 'While it remains unclear whether E. coli in the water caused the illness, several other parents at the school have told NBC 7 their kids have had to be hospitalized as a result of vomiting and diarrhea.
A water sample tested positive for E. coli on June 16, the last day of school before students were released for summer vacation. The Environmental Health Department conducted an inspection of the system Thursday, and the school is actively working to fix any issues with the water system.'
E. coli is especially dangerous for young children and the elderly. When it is discovered in public water systems like parks, campgrounds or small communities, county officials usually send out an alert. That didn't happen in this case.
Instead, county officials say the school was able to handle the issue on its own by sending a voice mail to all parents.
County and school officials confirmed Thursday the water at Clover Flat Elementary in Boulevard is contaminated with E. coli, in response to questions posed by NBC 7 Investigates.
