Vernon School District officials insist they aren’t unnecessarily wasting water.
Water lines are being flushed at five schools daily because of lead in the system.
“They don’t measure the water used,” said Joe Rogers, superintendent.
At Kalamalka Secondary School, there are 11 plumbing fixtures and it takes 45 minutes to flush them.
“Some are turned on for one to two minutes,” said Rogers.
Seventy-three minutes are needed for the 15 fixtures at W.L. Seaton Secondary, while there are 14 fixtures at BX, 11 at Cherryville and 18 at Mission Hill.
“We have already changed out the fixtures at Crossroads in Lumby,” said Rogers.
And it’s expected additional water consumption will be reduced as the lead issue is addressed.
“We’ve ordered new parts and replacement will take place over two to three months,” said Rogers.
Rogers admits that entire pipes may have to be replaced if lead levels are still high.
The source of lead in the tap water is likely from aging plumbing material.