Auburn High School has a very serious problem with their locker rooms. Being a senior, I have noticed that the horrible stench in the girls locker room has rapidly increased this year. Yes, it has smelled bad in the past, but it seems to have become even worse this year.

I understand why they smell so bad, but I don't think they should.

The showers in the locker rooms use bell drains. The use of bell drains wasn't that bad of an idea back when showers after P.E. were mandatory. However, if the drains don't stay wet, you can smell sewage. Seeing as how the school no longer requires showers after P.E. are the drains really that necessary? I asked one of the teachers why the school doesn't just get rid of them and they stated that it would involve ripping up the concrete and replacing the plumbing.

I understand that this is very costly and would most likely take away from other school activities. However, sewer gas is hazardous to your health and the methane content in sewer gas is explosive.

There is another solution to keeping at least the stench away.

If the janitors or even the teachers themselves made sure the drains were kept wet, this wouldn't be a problem. I go to P.E. right after I have lunch. I've already seen my lunch the mod before.

I do not want to see it again on the locker room floor.

This is an easy problem to solve. I'm not trying to complain about the school or get anyone in trouble. I just don't think it's fair to students or teachers to have to put up with the sewage.

Rachel Bodner

Auburn