Dear Winter Haven High families,
I wanted to make you aware that our school was recently provided results of groundwater testing around our campus.
If you wish, you can review a letter from the school district’s Facilities department with more details about these results by visiting: https://www.polkschoolsfl.com/water.
Please allow me to share a few major highlights:
First and foremost, it is important to understand that this groundwater testing has nothing to do with the water that we use for drinking and cooking purposes. All water used inside our school is safe and provided through the City of Winter Haven’s potable water supply system — which meets federal drinking water safety requirements.
In addition, we ensure water used for irrigation purposes at our school is tested for any contaminants of concern.
The Florida Department of Environmental Protection requires that we provide our families with an annual update regarding ongoing cleanup efforts and groundwater testing regarding the former House of Clean Dry Cleaner — which was previously located southwest of our school property.
In 1996, solvent-related contamination was revealed within a soil sample taken in the area of the dry-cleaning facility. Groundwater beneath Winter Haven High was later shown to be impacted by dry cleaning solvents. Cleanup efforts began, and results of groundwater sampling activities over time revealed that contaminant levels have continued to decline across the campus.
It is important to keep in mind that health risks would only be a concern if there is direct and prolonged exposure to high levels of contaminated groundwater — something that is NOT an issue at Winter Haven High.
Again, our school’s water for drinking and cooking purposes is provided by the City of Winter Haven’s potable water supply system and meets federal drinking water safety requirements. We also test our irrigation water for any contaminants of concern.
If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact:
- Harold Hamby, PCPS maintenance manager, (863) 534-0620
- Samuel Hankinson, Florida Department of Environmental Protection, (850) 245-8931
Sincerely,
Gina Williams
Principal
Winter Haven High