Maryland’s regulations require schools to test for the presence of lead in all drinking water outlets on a State-established three-year cycle, unless a waiver from future testing has been granted.  Since testing is required to be conducted when schools are in regular session, closures and capacity reductions resulting from the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic may have disrupted such testing previously planned during the 2020-2021 school year.  Click on the links below to find additional information regarding the testing requirements and procedures, and advice about best flushing practices to enhance water quality in school buildings during the 2020-2021 school year:

Schools that plan to test during the 2020-2021 school year should conduct the complete round of standard testing with all samples collected before the end of the testing period (i.e., July 1, 2021) or by the end of the 2020-2021 school year, whichever occurs sooner.  The schools have 14 days (from the date of sample collection) to submit samples to a MD-certified laboratory, where the samples must be analyzed within 6 months of preservation.  The school shall then report all test results to MDE, MSDE, Maryland Department of Health (MDH), and the appropriate local health department within 30 days of samples being analyzed by the laboratory.  This may be accomplished by submitting required reporting documents to testresults.leadschoolwater@maryland.gov​.​

Guidance on Testing for Lead in Drinking Water and Recommendation on Flushing Outlets in Schools during the 2020-2021 Academic School Year

Flowchart on Testing for Lead in Drinking Water and Recommendation on Flushing Outlets in Schools during the 2020-2021 Academic School Year​

School Building Flushing - Links to Guidance

Dear School Representative:

Maryland law requires all public and nonpublic schools, serving students in Pre-kindergarten through grade 12, that receive drinking water from a public utility to test for the presence of lead in all drinking water outlets on a State-established three-year cycle, unless a waiver from future testing has been granted.  Since Maryland’s regulations require this testing to be conducted when schools are in regular session, closures and capacity reductions resulting from the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic may have disrupted such testing previously planned during the 2020-2021 school year.  To assist schools with the testing requirements and procedures, and to provide advice about best flushing practices to enhance water quality in school buildings, in this communication you will find the following:

• Information on which schools are scheduled to conduct testing during the 2020-2021 school year;

• Guidance regarding testing requirements and procedures during the 2020-2021 school year; and

• Information about flushing the plumbing in school buildings after periods of reduced water usage, to minimize water quality issues resulting from extended periods of stagnation within the buildings’ plumbing.

We understand and recognize the challenges that the testing during the COVID-19 pandemic presents, and appreciate your efforts to meet the requirements of these regulations.

We request that school representatives thoroughly read this guidance and contact the Water Supply Program’s Lead in Drinking Water Division at 410-537-3729 or via email at reporting.leadschoolwater@maryland.gov with any questions or concerns.

Sincerely,

Christina Ardito

Attachments:

Guidance on Testing for Lead in Drinking Water and Recommendation on Flushing Outlets in Schools during the 2020-2021 Academic School Year

Flowchart on Testing for Lead in Drinking Water and Recommendation on Flushing Outlets in Schools during the 2020-2021 Academic School Year​

School Building Flushing - Links to Guidance​