WASHINGTON (DC News Now) — Officials said Anacostia High School closed early on Monday due to a sewage backup.

ANC Commissioner Tom Donohue visited the school and said there was six to 10 feet of sewage in some areas of the high school and around 3 feet in the basement.

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The school system is working to drain the sewage and sanitize affected areas.

In a letter sent home to parents, Principal Kenneth Walker said DC Water had begun work over the weekend in the Anacostia and Fairlawn neighborhoods for a water main replacement project.

While crews were working, a water and sewage backup happened at the school, mostly impacting the kitchen and cafeteria areas.

Crews were deployed to begin cleanup and remediation and the school was cleared to open on Monday, but the kitchen and cafeteria remained closed for usage. Meals were prepared at Kramer Middle School and delivered to campus, according to the letter.

“However, due to lingering odors in the building and additional restoration needed, the decision was made to dismiss students early, beginning at noon today. All students received lunch before leaving campus, and staff remained on site until all students had safely departed,” the letter read in part.

DC Water told DC News Now said it is working closely with DC Public Schools to quickly clean and remediate the school.

“Once cleanup is complete, air quality testing will determine when it’s safe for students to return. We expect to reassess the situation tomorrow morning,” DC Water stated in an email. “The safety and well-being of students, staff, and residents remain our highest priority. We appreciate everyone’s patience and understanding as we work to resolve this situation promptly so residents can return home, and students can get back to school.”