Water analysis at the Georges-Politzer college in Bagnolet (Seine-Saint-Denis) has revealed contamination with enterococci and coliform bacteria, which are typically found in fecal matter. Teachers staged a walkout on Monday and continued striking on Tuesday as part of a national mobilization day for public sector employees. With the school closed on Wednesday, the independent investigative magazine Vert obtained access to the complete analysis reports. The college's water was declared non-compliant on Saturday, following a decision by the department that prohibited its consumption. Abnormally high levels of enterococci and coliform bacteria were measured in the cold water at several sampling points. The analysis report, reviewed by Vert, recommends "carrying out a general disinfection of the installation with a follow-up analysis on all points." About twenty members of the school's staff exercised their right to withdraw on Monday, followed by about thirty on Tuesday. In the register of serious and imminent dangers (RGDI), they expressed concerns about their health and that of the students. The issue dates back much further. As early as February 10, within the hygiene and safety committee, and then on May 18, in the board of directors meeting, the staff had raised questions about the quality of the water. "It often came out cloudy from the taps, especially after returning from holidays or after periods of closure," says Amélie Pialla, a librarian teacher. "The administration requested the department, and we had analyses in June." Everything flowed smoothly until the analysis results, conducted by the Aquatycia laboratory on June 4 and communicated to the staff only last Saturday. "The department told us they had only become aware of the analyses on September 4, but we wonder why they waited three weeks to inform us," continues Amélie Pialla. This oversight raises questions even with the Bagnolet city hall. "There was a follow-up problem, because the department did not receive them until September 6; but between the 6th and the 26th, there was time to communicate," regrets Édouard Denouel, the mayor of the commune (supported by Les Écologistes and La France insoumise in the last municipal elections). He himself says he was informed by a communication intended for parents of students. On the other hand, the prefecture of Seine-Saint-Denis ordered the closure of the establishment on Wednesday to decontaminate the water. "They will put chlorine in the pipes and it is absolutely essential that the students do not drink it," points out Clémence Jaubert, a Spanish teacher. "The cafeteria will remain closed potentially until Tuesday, October 6, if a decontamination needs to be done again." The staff claims to be unable to guarantee that the students will not drink the chlorinated water throughout the school. The situation is causing unrest among the students. "Some middle school students could not eat at all because they live far away," denounces Joakim, a student in the fourth year. "There have always been water problems in the cafeteria," adds Narvina, a sixth-year student. "As soon as I arrived, I was told not to drink the water," testifies Lucie Morel, a French teacher. "It was already the case when I arrived," confirms Clémence Jaubert, who has been at the college for eight years. A parent of a student, former student of the school, adds: "There have always been hygiene problems." For the teachers' unions, the situation reflects a general neglect of the National Education system in the department. The 93 Emergency Plan campaign, led by an intersyndical group including CGT, SUD education, CNT, and FSU, has highlighted the urgent needs of the department since 2024. According to a 2023 prefectural note, students in Seine-Saint-Denis receive 30% fewer resources compared to the French average. A finding that affects all levels, from lack of staff to the quality of the buildings. "We requested meetings with the administration to discuss this emergency plan," says Samuel Mauve, CGT Educ'Action 93 union delegate and educational counselor (CPE) at the Georges-Politzer college. "The first time, we were told they did not know what we were talking about; the second time, that they could do nothing." A feeling of abandonment shared by the residents of the poorest department in mainland France. Amel Meddah runs a hot dog and fries kiosk in front of the college. As a mother of a student, she is worried about her health: "I find it disappointing that there is this ambiguity about results that needed to be communicated. It is not up to the teachers to demand them while they are there to teach. We wonder if we are being sidelined because we are in Seine-Saint-Denis." The subject is sensitive. Contacted, the authorities shift responsibility or remain silent. The departmental education services (DSDEN) of Seine-Saint-Denis specifies that "precautionary measures are maintained until a report attesting to the conformity of the water is obtained." For the rest, it refers to the Department, owner of the buildings and the competent authority for the disinfection of the installations. The Department announces the opening of an internal investigation: "A complete review of the water network of the establishment will be carried out to identify the origin of the problem and prevent it from recurring. New analyses will be conducted after the work is completed. Restrictions will only be lifted if all the samples taken are declared compliant." If the college's water is contaminated, what about the neighborhood? "The neighbors are entitled to ask questions," says the mayor, Édouard Denouel. "The situation is serious and problematic, but, at this stage, based on the elements I have, only the college is affected." According to the city, there is no problem detected on the public water supply network, which is confirmed by public analysis of the drinking water network consulted by Vert. A public information meeting will take place on Thursday. To avoid further confusion.