Lead in Water Testing Results
Environmental.Compliance@fcps.org
The health and safety of our students and staff are top priorities at Frederick County Public Schools (FCPS). To ensure the safety of our drinking water, the Department of Maintenance and Operations (M&O) conducts annual lead testing on all consumable water sources at every FCPS school facility. Consumable water sources include water fountains, water filling stations, and food prep sinks, as well as the sinks located in health suites, Early Childhood Education classrooms, and staff lounges.
Process, Action Levels, and Remediation
In accordance with Maryland law*, all drinking water sources must test below the State’s Action Level of 5 parts per billion (ppb) for lead, which is the same standard the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) uses for bottled water.
The law and regulation mandates that sampling must be done while school is in session. Therefore, sampling cannot be conducted over the summer months or holiday breaks.
More information about the law can be found on the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) website.
The sampling process is defined by the MDE regulation, and the preparations that are required for sampling include:
- Confirmation of each water fixture location.
- Prior to any sample that is taken, water must sit in the pipes between 8 and 18 hours.
- All samples must be taken before students and staff arrive at school in the morning. Any flowing water can compromise the integrity of water samples.
Accredited labs** are contracted to perform the analysis of collected water samples.
Notification of results and full lab reports for each school are posted on the Testing Results page. Drinking water sources that contain elevated levels of lead will be taken out of service within 24 hours of results notification. Follow-up samples will be collected to confirm the initial test results and inform remediation planning. Potential solutions may include placing new filters on the source, and in some instances, replacing faucets, connections, and other plumbing components. Outlets will not be returned to service until test results are under the state’s required action level.
For questions about lead in water testing at FCPS, contact Environmental.Compliance@fcps.org.
*Testing for Lead in Drinking Water - Public and Nonpublic Schools (Chapter 386 (House Bill 270), Acts of 2017) and School Buildings - Drinking Water Outlets - Elevated Level of Lead (Safe School Drinking Water Act) (Chapter 237 (House Bill 636), Acts of 2021)
** FCPS currently uses AMA Analytical Services, Inc. (Maryland Water Quality Lab #262W), located in Lanham, Maryland, to analyze collected samples.
Testing Results