Health Concerns Found SCHOOL DISTRICT PFAS DETECTED

Anne Arundel County Public Schools (MD): 11 Health Violations

44 ZIP codes · 42 water systems · 9,704,366 people served · Updated 2026-07-23

ZipCheckup's reading of EPA drinking-water data for Anne Arundel County Public Schools: 5 unresolved violations in the water systems serving this district.

Data: EPA SDWIS, NCES Last verified: 2026-07-23

C · 63
Avg Safety Score
44
ZIP Codes
42
Water Systems
46
Violations (5yr)
0.0022 mg/L
Avg Lead Level
4
ZIPs with PFAS
Zone 1
Radon Risk

Why School Water Quality Matters

Children drink 2–4× more water per pound of body weight than adults, making them more vulnerable to contaminants. School water quality affects students for hours every weekday.

Water Quality Overview

The Anne Arundel County Public Schools in Maryland spans 44 ZIP codes served by 42 community water systems, providing water to approximately 9,704,366 people.

The average Home Safety Score across the district is C (63/100)

  • with the lowest-scoring area at 35/100 .

Water quality in this district falls in the bottom 61% nationally.

Why This Matters for Children

Children are more vulnerable to water contaminants than adults. The EPA and CDC identify these key risks:

  • Lead exposure - Even low levels of lead can affect brain development, reduce IQ, and cause behavioral problems in children. There is no safe level of lead for children.
  • PFAS ("forever chemicals") - Linked to immune system effects and developmental delays in children. Children drink more water relative to body weight than adults.
  • Nitrate - Dangerous for infants (can cause "blue baby syndrome"). Agricultural areas often have elevated nitrate.
  • Disinfection byproducts - Long-term exposure may increase cancer risk. School water fountains often have stagnant water that concentrates these compounds.

Lead Levels in the District

Metric Value EPA Threshold
Average lead level (90th percentile) 0.0022 mg/L 0.015 mg/L
Highest lead level 0.011 mg/L 0.015 mg/L
ZIP codes exceeding EPA action level 0 of 44 -

PFAS Contamination

PFAS ("forever chemicals") detected in 4 of 44 ZIP codes in this district.

Detected compounds: PFPeA, PFHxA.

Highest measured level: 0.0067 µg/L.

PFAS can accumulate in the body over time. Children's higher water intake relative to body weight makes them particularly susceptible. Reverse osmosis filters (NSF/ANSI 58) are the most effective at removing PFAS.

Learn more about PFAS in drinking water →

EPA Violation History

11 health-based violations recorded across 16 of 44 ZIP codes in the past 5 years. 5 violations remain unresolved.

Contaminants of Concern

Contaminant Category Violations Health-Based ZIPs Affected
Stage 2 DBP Rule Treatment Technique 20 Yes 9
Nickel Inorganic 5 No 5
Consumer Confidence Report Rule Reporting 5 Yes 1
Stage 1 DBP Rule Treatment Technique 4 No 2
Surface Water Treatment Rule Treatment Technique 4 No 3
Lead Inorganic 3 No 3
Total Trihalomethanes (TTHM) Disinfection Byproducts 2 No 2
Chromium Inorganic 1 Yes 1

Radon Risk

Dominant radon zone: Zone 1 (High risk)

7 of 44 ZIP codes are in the highest radon risk zone. Radon is the #2 cause of lung cancer in the U.S. - homes and school buildings in Zone 1 should be tested.

Water Quality by ZIP Code

ZIP Code City Safety Score Violations Health Lead Level Exceeds?
21240 Baltimore B (81) 11 2 0.00274 mg/L No
20794 Jessup C (59) 6 1 0.009 mg/L No
21108 Millersville B (74) 5 1 0 mg/L No
20714 North Beach D (51) 3 1 — —
21054 Gambrills B (82) 3 1 0 mg/L No
21090 Linthicum Heights B (77) 3 1 0.005 mg/L No
21146 Severna Park B (72) 3 1 0.0013 mg/L No
20715 Bowie B (77) 2 1 0.0017 mg/L No
20716 Bowie B (82) 2 1 0.0017 mg/L No
21144 Severn B (77) 2 1 0 mg/L No
20754 Dunkirk C (55) 1 0 0.011 mg/L No
21401 Annapolis B (73) 1 0 0 mg/L No
21402 Annapolis B (83) 1 0 0 mg/L No
21403 Annapolis C (68) 1 0 0 mg/L No
21405 Annapolis B (83) 1 0 0 mg/L No
21409 Annapolis B (73) 1 0 0 mg/L No
20701 Annapolis Junction C (63) 0 0 — —
20711 Lothian B (83) 0 0 0.0035 mg/L No
20724 Laurel B (78) 0 0 0.00105 mg/L No
20733 Churchton D (40) 0 0 — —
20736 Owings C (65) 0 0 — —
20751 Deale D (40) 0 0 — —
20755 Fort George G Meade D (53) 0 0 — —
20758 Friendship D (40) 0 0 — —
20764 Shady Side D (45) 0 0 — —
20765 Galesville C (55) 0 0 — —
20776 Harwood C (63) 0 0 — —
20778 West River C (55) 0 0 — —
20779 Tracys Landing C (63) 0 0 — —
21012 Arnold D (50) 0 0 — —
21032 Crownsville C (55) 0 0 — —
21035 Davidsonville C (55) 0 0 — —
21037 Edgewater D (45) 0 0 — —
21056 Gibson Island C (63) 0 0 — —
21060 Glen Burnie C (55) 0 0 — —
21061 Glen Burnie C (55) 0 0 — —
21076 Hanover C (63) 0 0 — —
21077 Harmans C (63) 0 0 — —
21113 Odenton C (55) 0 0 — —
21114 Crofton B (78) 0 0 0.002 mg/L No
21122 Pasadena F (35) 0 0 — —
21140 Riva C (63) 0 0 — —
21225 Brooklyn C (55) 0 0 — —
21226 Curtis Bay C (63) 0 0 — —

Water Systems Serving This District

Water System Population Served Source ZIP Codes
WASHINGTON SUBURBAN SANITARY COMMISSION 1,900,000 Surface water 20715, 20716, 20724
CITY OF BALTIMORE 1,600,000 Surface water 21060, 21061, 21077 +3 more
Glen Burnie-broadneck 290,606 Groundwater 20701, 20724, 20755 +17 more
Howard County D.p.w. Distribution 286,158 Surface water 20701, 20794, 21076
Crofton-odenton 62,986 Groundwater 21032, 21035, 21054 +4 more
CITY OF ANNAPOLIS 35,000 Groundwater 20764, 21012, 21032 +9 more
City of Bowie 25,000 Groundwater 20715, 20716
Broad Creek 23,179 Groundwater 20776, 20778, 21032 +8 more

42 water systems total serve this district.

Lead Risk Assessment

Lead risk: ELEVATED. 25 ZIP codes in this district have high lead exposure risk scores based on housing age and infrastructure.

Infrastructure Risk Factors

Risk Factor District Average Why It Matters
Housing built before 1986 56.8% Lead solder was used in plumbing until 1986
Housing built before 1950 14.3% Lead pipes were common before 1950
Lead service line probability 18.3% Estimated chance of lead pipes connecting homes to water mains
Average lead level (90th pctl) 0.0022 mg/L EPA action level: 0.015 mg/L
Highest measured lead level 0.011 mg/L EPA action level: 0.015 mg/L

Schools built before 1986 are especially at risk. Lead can leach from older pipes, fixtures, and solder joints into drinking water — particularly when water sits in pipes overnight or over weekends.

Detailed Violation History

3 health-based contaminants have triggered violations in this district: Stage 2 DBP Rule, Consumer Confidence Report Rule, Chromium.
Contaminant Category Total Violations Health-Based ZIPs Affected
Stage 2 DBP Rule Treatment Technique 20 Yes 9
Consumer Confidence Report Rule Reporting 5 Yes 1
Nickel Inorganic 5 No 5
Stage 1 DBP Rule Treatment Technique 4 No 2
Surface Water Treatment Rule Treatment Technique 4 No 3
Lead Inorganic 3 No 3
Total Trihalomethanes (TTHM) Disinfection Byproducts 2 No 2
Chromium Inorganic 1 Yes 1
Lead and Copper Rule Treatment Technique 1 No 1
Contaminant 2384 Other 1 No 1

Most Recent Violations

  • Violation in ZIP 20714 (Unknown date) — Unresolved
  • Violation in ZIP 20714 (Unknown date) — Unresolved
  • Violation in ZIP 20714 (Unknown date) — Unresolved
  • Violation in ZIP 20715 (Unknown date) — Unresolved
  • Violation in ZIP 20715 (Unknown date) — Unresolved

Is the Water Safe at Anne Arundel County Public Schools Schools?

Several factors warrant attention for families in the Anne Arundel County Public Schools area:

  • Water systems in this district have recorded 11 health-based violations. These violations indicate contaminant levels that may pose health risks.
  • PFAS ("forever chemicals") have been detected in 4 of 44 ZIP codes. Current levels are below EPA maximums.
  • 56.8% of buildings in this district predate 1986, increasing the risk of lead in school plumbing.
  • 5 violations remain unresolved, meaning the issues have not been officially corrected.

Important context: EPA compliance data measures water quality at the utility level. Individual school buildings — especially older ones — may have additional risks from internal plumbing, lead fixtures, and stagnant water in pipes.

What Parents Should Do

Testing

  1. Request your school's water testing results. Under the EPA's 3Ts program, schools are encouraged to test drinking water. Ask the Anne Arundel County Public Schools school board for the most recent results.
  2. Test your home water. If your home was built before 1986, lead may be present in your plumbing. Free or low-cost test kits are often available from your water utility.
  3. Ask about PFAS testing. PFAS have been detected in this district. Request specific PFAS testing results from your water utility.

Advocacy

  1. Attend school board meetings and ask about the district's water quality testing schedule and remediation plans.
  2. Request lead fixture replacement if your child's school was built before 1986 and hasn't upgraded its plumbing.
  3. Contact your water utility about the 5 unresolved violations in the district. Ask for a timeline for resolution.

Resources

ZIP Code Reports for This District

What Parents Can Do

  1. Request lead testing at your child's school - The EPA's 3Ts program (Training, Testing, Taking Action) provides guidance for schools. Ask your school board about their water testing schedule.
  2. Review the Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) - Your water utility publishes this annually. It details all detected contaminants.
  3. Test your home's water - Especially if your home has older plumbing (pre-1986) that may contain lead solder or lead pipes.
  4. Address PFAS - If PFAS are detected in your area, a reverse osmosis or activated carbon block filter rated NSF/ANSI 53 or 58 can reduce levels significantly.
  5. Pack water from home - If you're concerned about school water quality, send your child with a water bottle filled at home (filtered if possible).
  6. Stay informed - Bookmark this page to check for updates on water quality in your school district.

Need help with school water quality?

Typical cost: Water test: typically $20–$50 (DIY kit) · Professional inspection: $150–$400

Find the Right Water Filter

Free tip: Let cold water run for 2 minutes before drinking — this helps flush lead from your pipes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the water safe in Anne Arundel County Public Schools schools?

Water systems serving Anne Arundel County Public Schools have recorded 11 health-based violations in the past 5 years. While utilities are required to meet federal standards, individual school buildings may have older plumbing that can introduce contaminants. Parents should request lead testing results from their school.

Does Anne Arundel County Public Schools test for lead in school water?

Federal law does not require schools to test for lead in drinking water (except in some states with specific mandates). The EPA's voluntary 3Ts program encourages testing. Contact your school district office to ask about their testing schedule and results.

What level of lead is safe for children?

There is no safe level of lead for children, according to the CDC. The EPA action level of 0.015 mg/L (15 ppb) triggers corrective action for water systems, but the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that school water contain no more than 0.001 mg/L (1 ppb).

Are there PFAS in Anne Arundel County Public Schools water?

Yes, PFAS have been detected in 4 of 44 ZIP codes served by this district. PFAS are "forever chemicals" that do not break down and can accumulate in the body. The EPA has set maximum contaminant levels for certain PFAS compounds. Reverse osmosis filters are the most effective at removing PFAS from drinking water.

Data Sources

Updated daily.

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How to cite this page

APA ZipCheckup. (2026). Anne Arundel County Public Schools (MD): 11 Health Violations. https://zipcheckup.com/schools/anne-arundel-county-public-schools-md/
BibTeX 
@misc{zipcheckup-schools-anne-arundel-county-public-schools-md,
  author = {{ZipCheckup}},
  title  = {{Anne Arundel County Public Schools (MD): 11 Health Violations}},
  year   = {2026},
  url    = {https://zipcheckup.com/schools/anne-arundel-county-public-schools-md/}
}

Data as of July 2026.

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