Elevated Lead Levels Found in More Than 60 Drinking Water Sources Across 9 Anne Arundel County Schools

Water tests conducted at 9 Anne Arundel County schools found more than 60 drinking water outlets with elevated lead levels.  

All Maryland public and nonpublic schools are required to sample all drinking water outlets for the presence of lead pursuant to the Code of Maryland Regulations. Shortly after the start of the 2021-2022 academic year, multiple samples were collected from the following schools:

Annapolis High School

Annapolis Middle School

 

Corkran Middle School

 

Crofton Middle School

 

Glen Burnie High School

 

Lindale Middle School

Magothy River Middle School

North County High School

 

Old Mill High School

At Annapolis High School, for example, sixteen tested water samples had levels of lead exceeding the State’s revised action level of 5 parts per billion for lead in drinking water in school buildings.  This included the water located in the school cafeteria, kitchen sink, and a classroom where Family and Consumer Science (FACS) is taught.  In a FACS or Home Economics course, students learn to navigate the many challenges of adult life including family dynamics and home skills, such as cooking.  

Contaminated water sources will be removed, replaced and retested or made available for hand washing and dish washing only.  

Reports say lead can cause serious health problems if too much enters the body from drinking water or other sources, and can cause damage to the brain and kidneys, while also interfering with the production of red blood cells that carry oxygen to all parts of your body.  The greatest risk of lead exposure is to infants and young children, as lead is stored in the bones and it can be released later in life. 

More information on the testing conducted at each of the nine schools can be found at: 

AACPS WATER SAFETY TESTING RESULTS 2021-2022