The analysis of water sample tests for elevated levels of lead at an additional five school buildings in Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) has been completed. All five buildings had elevated levels of lead in at least some locations. These results complete the initial testing and analysis of water taken from all sources within a sample of public schools in Montgomery County, and the data from this initial round of testing are in the report available at the link below. The most recent data were released to parents through letters from their school principals the week of February 21, 2005.

The most recently tested schools are: Argyle Middle School, Damascus High School, Fairland Center, Northwood High School, and Thomas S. Wootton High School.

All results are for water samples taken straight from water sources without implementing the mandatory water flushing of 15 minutes every four hours for water coolers and 60 seconds every four hours for other water sources. Water flushing is required in all schools, unless otherwise authorized by the Montgomery County Health Department, as indicated on the list linked below.

The high samples include remote sites (such as sink faucets) and not designated drinking water sources. The results for hallway water coolers are included as a separate data list of water sources most readily used by students.

The entire process of testing and analysis follows protocols recommended by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The action level standard is a water sample in which the level of lead content is greater than 20 parts per billion (ppb).