Lead in Drinking Water Test Results

We take the health of our students and staff extremely seriously.  Without being required to do so, BCPS has tested school drinking fountains for lead since 2016.

As required by new state regulations regarding lead testing for drinking water in schools, BCPS started testing water from all potential drinking water sources in all schools during the 2018-2019 school year.

BCPS schools built prior to 1990 have had bottled water for drinking since 2016.  Schools built during 1990 or later will provide bottled drinking water until results meet the state’s new action level of 5 parts per billion (ppb). 

A summary of results analyzed by an independent lab will be sent home by each school to parents, guardians, and staff. If results do not meet the action level, the fixture will be turned off and replaced. The new fixture will not be available for students or staff to use until follow-up tests show that results meet the state’s action level. 

Schools supplied by onsite well water fall under different regulations. Water at these schools has been sampled for decades under the Clean Drinking Water Act. Results are posted as required in the school office.

In Baltimore County, the most common cause of lead poisoning in children is lead paint found in homes built before 1978.  Please remember to keep children away from lead paint and dust, and be mindful of products containing lead, including candy, toys, makeup, and jewelry.

For More Information

One-Pager about Lead Test Results