Elevated levels of lead were found in some water sample results for five schools – Fox Chapel, Harmony Hills, Oak View, and Rosemary Hills elementary schools, and Gaithersburg High School –
according to results released today [Monday, April 26].

The findings continue a pattern of elevated levels of lead – exceeding the standard of no more than 20 parts per billion (ppb) – in some samples among all 14 schools tested in the school system, thus far. The high samples are being found among remote sites (such as sink faucets) and not designated drinking water sources. Each high site will be retested to determine the validity of the results.

The results are being analyzed to identify long term solutions. In the meantime, all schools are participating in the comprehensive drinking water safeguards that include flushing all designated drinking water sources for 15 minutes every four hours, starting before children arrive for school in the morning and continuing throughout the day. Detailed results for all schools tested are available on the web at the link below.