Mercer Island School District Superintendent Dr. Gary Plano released a statement Thursday following Mercer Island’s second boil-water advisory:

“This morning I learned from officials at the City of Mercer Island and the Department of Health that today one Mercer Island water sample tested positive for E. coli bacteria and another tested positive for Total Coliform.

“In a preemptive approach anticipating that a new boil-water advisory might be issued by the City of Mercer Island, I alerted the district’s leadership team and our food services provider to notify staff and students that they should not consume water until further advised about the safety of our water supply.

“District staff set up portable washing stations in school bathrooms and kitchens. Today we have removed all fresh food from the school lunch menu. In consultation with officials from the Department of Health, food prepared in a “heat and eat” fashion was approved by health officials for Thursday and Friday, if needed.

“We are reviewing our bottled water supply to ensure there is enough water for students and staff in each building and taking appropriate action.

“Until further notice we are planning a normal school day for the reminder of today and tomorrow’s schedule is planned as normal, unless otherwise notified. The City of Mercer Island intends to hold a press conference at 1:30 p.m.”

Mercer Island after-school activities will proceed as planned.