RILEYVILLE, Va. — Page County Public Schools is providing bottled water and preparing meals off-site for Springfield Elementary School after Level 2 bacteria was found in the school’s treated water.
In an August 25, 2026 letter to school staff and parents, Superintendent Bryan Huber said the division received notice from the Virginia Office of Drinking Water on August 21.
According to Huber’s letter, students and staff will not rely on the school’s water supply for drinking, food preparation, dishwashing or routine handwashing while officials investigate and work toward a permanent solution.
The complete text of Dr. Huber’s letter:
Dear Page County Public Schools Staff and Families,
I am writing to share an important update regarding the water and existing well system at Springfield Elementary School and the steps Page County Public Schools is taking in response.
While this situation is specific to Springfield Elementary School, I believe it is important that our entire school community is informed as we remain committed to transparency and open communication.
On August 21, 2026, Page County Public Schools received correspondence from the Commonwealth of Virginia Office of Drinking Water requiring interim actions following a Level 2 bacteria finding in the treated water at Springfield Elementary School.
We take this notification seriously and our team immediately began working to address the requirements outlined by the Commonwealth of Virginia.
The safety and well-being of our students and staff remain our highest priority.
We are working closely with the Page County Board of Supervisors. Page County School Board, Virginia Department of Health, Virginia Office of Drinking Water, and other Commonwealth officials to ensure all required actions are completed and appropriate safeguards are in place.
As an immediate precaution. Springfield Elementary School is operating under several interim measures:
• Bottled drinking water is being provided for all students and staff.
• Alternatives to the school’s sinks are being provided for appropriate handwashing and personal hygiene.
• Our School Nutritional Services Department has implemented a plan to provide breakfast and lunch without relying on Springfield’s water supply for food preparation or dishwashing.
Breakfast items will be prepackaged or individually wrapped and served as heat-and-serve meals by Springfield cafeteria staff Items requiring additional preparation will be prepared and packaged at Luray High School before being delivered to Springfield.
Lunch will also be prepared and packaged at Luray High School and transported to Springfield Elementary School for meal service.
Separate water will be provided for appropriate kitchen handwashing needs, and no dishes will be washed at Springfield during this period.
Items requiring washing will be transported to Luray High School and cleaned in an approved kitchen facility
I recognize that information involving a school’s water system can understandably raise questions and concerns.
I want to emphasize that these precautions are being taken deliberately and proactively.
At the same time, we are working with local and state partners to meet all requirements and determine the appropriate long-term resolution.
We are committed to communicating openly and promptly as this situation progresses.
Springfield staff and families will continue to receive information specific to school operations, and we will provide additional division-wide updates when appropriate.
I want to especially thank our Springfield Elementary School staff and administration, Nutritional Services team, maintenance and operations staff, School Board and Board of Supervisors, and our local and state partners.
Many individuals have worked quickly and collaboratively to put these safeguards in place while allowing us to continue serving our students.
Our focus remains clear protect the health and safety of our students and staff, maintain continuity for our students, and work diligently with the appropriate agencies toward a permanent resolution.
Thank you for your continued trust, patience, and partnership as we work through this situation together.
Sincerely,
Dr Bryan Huber
Superintendent Page County Public Schools
Shen-Valley Times will continue following the situation and provide updates as additional testing results and information about a permanent solution become available.
