Hot water tank flooded a Jersey school, and corridors felt like 'a swimming pool'

A leaking hot water tank turned a primary school in Jersey into "a swimming pool," with water flooding the floors, forcing closure.

Here's what to know

After overnight water from a leaking hot water tank spread across the first floor, students at d'Auvergne School in St. Helier were instructed to stay home starting Oct. 8, according to BBC News.

BBC News reported that d'Auvergne, the largest primary school in the Channel Islands, has about 550 children and staff.

Head teacher Sam Cooper said the school learned about the leak at six o'clock in the morning, per the BBC. "When we came in, there was two or three inches of water on the first floor in specific locations pouring through the ceiling through to the ground floor ... this has possibly been on for 10 hours overnight."

More background

Describing the damage, Cooper said, "We've got flooding on the first floor, on the ground floor, ceiling tiles, corridor spaces have been damaged, toilets flooded."

The school could not open because running water had to be shut off while pipework repairs were carried out.

He said the main concern was not just fixing the damage but "the inconvenience to the children and to the families."

What's being done?

After the leak and heavy flooding, staff were "working hard" to fully reopen the school.

"It was pretty extensive, it was a bit like a swimming pool on the first floor," Cooper said. 

All classes were certain to be back on Oct. 9, 2026.

Where can I learn more?

Water problems have also disrupted schools and nearby communities in other places.

• In Mill Valley, Calif., excessive flooding threatened school access and left parents worried about safety.

• At one school, water fountains have gone unused for eight years or more amid lead concerns.

• In coastal Georgia, recently flooded streets contained sewage as sewer spills happened frequently.

• In Rochdale, tapping energy from sewers will help heat a hospital, schools, and homes.

• At Community Roots Academy, incredible upgrades to save water could spare millions of gallons.

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