Portland Schools: All Buildings Have Five Gallon Water Battles

There will be five-gallon water bottles.

That's the word from Portland Public Schools. On Wednesday, they sent out word that every school will have the large water bottles available for student and staff use.

This is in response to the lead water crisis that roiled the district in the spring as every school but one was found to have lead in the water. The district superintendent, Carole Smith, resigned abruptly after a scathing report came out on the district's handling of the crisis.

Over the summer, the district turned off water fountains or covered them and posted signs warning not to drink the water from sinks in bathrooms, classrooms, and labs. That water, however, is safe for hand washing.

The district says besides the five-gallon jugs, students will be able to bring their own water bottles and refill them throughout the day. The district's Nutrition Services department is also providing pre-washed foods until a plan is in place for kitchen fixture use.

Image via Portland Public Schools