Middle School Principal Explains Brown Drinking Water

Students and staff at Northport Middle School were told not to drink the water in school bathrooms and drinking fountains Thursday after a brownish tint was observed.

An announcement was made in the morning but a definitive cause was not determined until later in the day.

When the district was infomed that the discoloration was caused by the Suffolk County Water Authority flushing nearby fire hydrants, an e-mail and phone message via ConnectEd was sent to parents.

"We have been assured by the SCWA that the condition is temporary and that the water is safe to drink," Principal Tim Hoss said.