Reform Schools Closed Due To Waterline Problems Reopen Tomorrow
Students at two schools in the Pickens County city of Reform head back to classes tomorrow morning after an unexpected extended Thanksgiving holiday. The extended school closure at Pickens County High School and Reform Elementary was the result of continuing issues with the aging city water system.
A leaking waterline under a road prompted the water service shutdown for repairs out of concern that erosion could collapse the road.
When Pickens County school officials learned that water department crews had shut down the water system and were working to replace damaged water lines, they notified parents and students that the schools would not reopen, due to safety precautions, until water service was restored.
Water was actually restored yesterday but testing revealed possible contaminants such as sediment in the lines. That triggered a boil-water notice. That notice was lifted this afternoon.
Customers are still advised to run their water for several minutes before using it for consumption as a safety precaution.
Students worked virtually Tuesday and Wednesday, and today teachers distributed learning packets to keep students on track.
School leaders will continue to monitor the situation because another round of work will begin soon which could lead to more closures.
Reform, like many rural West Alabama communities, has an aging water system that has experienced several water issues over the last few years resulting in outages. The city has been working to secure grant money to replace lines, many as old as the 1920s.
The city obtained a $8-million grant in 2023 for a new well and water tank, a new water treatment plant and water line replacements. Ground was broken on the beginning of the project in January of that year with completion set for 2028.
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