UPDATE: 2:46 p.m.: After further investigation, and in discussion with Department of Health Officials, the district has confirmed that the elevated chlorine levels are only impacting water sources at Monticello High School. We continue to work with the DOH and village to rectify the issue.
Effectively immediately, students and staff at Robert J. Kaiser Middle School and Kenneth L. Rutherford Elementary School may resume consumption of water from taps at these buildings.
Bottled water will continue to be available as needed for students and staff at Monticello High School, until the situation is fully remedied and the DOH order is lifted.
Original post (1:50 p.m.):
During a routine investigation at Monticello High School, officials from the New York State Department of Health discovered a level of chlorine present in the water system that exceeds standards. According to an advisory from the Department of Health, the levels measured at the high school do not constitute a public health hazard, and that using the water for washing hands, bathing, brushing teeth, washing produce, etc. does not pose any significant concern, and may continue without restriction.
Out of an abundance of caution, the district is advising students and staff to refrain from drinking water from the taps at the Monticello High School, Robert J. Kaiser Middle School and Kenneth L. Rutherford Elementary School, and has placed signs to that effect at all water sources at these buildings. Bottled water will be made available for students and staff as needed.
The district is working with the village of Monticello to determine the source of the excess chlorine and rectify the situation.