The water in several West Orange schools is being treated after tests showed the presence of the legionella bacteria.

All 12 schools in the district were tested this week after the bacteria was found in various municipal buildings around the city in August. This included City Hall and two firehouses.

A student attending a summer program at Redwood Elementary School over the summer reported symptoms consistent with Legionnaires' disease. Tests were done at the school in August and four of the 15 samples taken had low levels of the bacteria.

Tests conducted this week found that nine schools in the district have the bacteria.

Each school that tested positive will undergo a chlorination process, which includes pumping chlorinated water through the entire water system. This water will filter through for 14 hours to eliminate any bacteria. The chlorinated water will then be drained and the system will be flushed with fresh water.

The water will then be retested to make sure that the bacteria is gone.

Officials say that the process and retesting should be done by mid-November. Bottled water will be available at the school until the remediation is complete.

District officials say that parents will be kept updated on the process and testing.