Grier recently faced an unprecedented water boiling issue, which lasted from February 12th to February 16th. Grier’s campus, along with greater Birmingham, had to use bottled water rather than tap or fountain water for the remainder of the week. Grier administration was able to appropriately follow water testing procedures and managed to prove the water’s safety and fix the problem.
After the water issue was resolved, Ms. Lawler provided us with the facts about the water supply in a recent interview. “What happened was that we were under a water boiling issue due to low chlorine levels from the Department of Environmental Protection,” Ms. Lawler said. “It could have made you sick and noxious with stomach problems, but fortunately, it didn’t come true. It was just precaution that the department alerted us, nothing really serious.”
The water boil ban lasted so long because the local water authority doesn’t open on weekends, meaning the school couldn’t receive the all-clear until Monday. They were supposed to take two sampling tests with the water on Thursday and Friday, but results were delayed by the weekend. When the testing was finally completed, residents of Birmingham were finally able to use the water for drinking, using it to cook, showering—which was technically allowed before the water got to a normal chlorine level— and washing dishes. When asked about the uniqueness of the situation, Ms. Lawler commented, “This happened before for a day or even a few hours, but not 5 days long like this.”
Grier’s water issue coincidentally lined up with a similar water supply problem at Mercersburg Academy, which occurred just two weeks earlier. This situation allowed Grier to use Mercersburg’s reaction and solutions as a model for more efficient problem-solving. “I am really proud of everyone being positive and upbeat, [and] being understanding beyond our control,” said Ms. Lawler.
Even though the water difficulties were definitely unexpected, the campus got through it with little complaint and concern. Students made special memories with roommates, sharing the burden of carrying arm loads of water bottles back to the dorm.
