Health Concerns Found SCHOOL DISTRICT LEAD EXCEEDS LIMIT PFAS DETECTED

Lead Exceeds EPA Limit at Montgomery County Public Schools (MD)

53 ZIP codes · 13 water systems · 87,438,148 people served · Updated 2026-07-23

ZipCheckup's reading of EPA drinking-water data for Montgomery County Public Schools: 4 unresolved violations in the water systems serving this district.

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

D · 54
Avg Safety Score
53
ZIP Codes
13
Water Systems
16
Violations (5yr)
0.0063 mg/L
Avg Lead Level
1
ZIPs Over Lead Limit
44
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 Montgomery County Public Schools in Maryland spans 53 ZIP codes served by 13 community water systems, providing water to approximately 87,438,148 people.

The average Home Safety Score across the district is D (54/100)

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

Water quality in this district falls in the bottom 79% 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) 0.0063 mg/L 0.015 mg/L
Highest lead level 0.034 mg/L 0.015 mg/L EXCEEDS
ZIP codes exceeding EPA action level 1 of 53 -
Lead action level exceeded in 1 area. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that water in schools contain no more than 1 ppb (0.001 mg/L) of lead - 15 times stricter than the EPA action level. Consider requesting lead testing at your child's school.

PFAS Contamination

PFAS ("forever chemicals") detected in 44 of 53 ZIP codes in this district. One or more PFAS compounds exceed EPA maximum contaminant levels.

Detected compounds: PFPeA, PFHxA, PFBA, PFHxS, PFOS, PFOA, PFHpA, PFBS.

Highest measured level: 0.0227 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

4 health-based violations recorded across 3 of 53 ZIP codes in the past 5 years. 4 violations remain unresolved.

Contaminants of Concern

Contaminant Category Violations Health-Based ZIPs Affected
Stage 2 DBP Rule Treatment Technique 4 Yes 2
Contaminant 0700 Other 3 Yes 1
Nickel Inorganic 2 No 2
Lead Inorganic 2 No 2
Stage 1 DBP Rule Treatment Technique 2 No 2
Surface Water Treatment Rule Treatment Technique 1 No 1
Lead and Copper Rule Treatment Technique 1 No 1
Consumer Confidence Report Rule Reporting 1 No 1

Radon Risk

Dominant radon zone: Zone 1 (High risk)

49 of 53 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?
20871 Clarksburg C (64) 7 3 0.0013 mg/L No
21771 Mount Airy C (69) 7 1 0.0012 mg/L No
20837 Poolesville C (68) 2 0 0.005 mg/L No
20705 Beltsville D (45) 0 0 — —
20707 Laurel B (78) 0 0 0.00105 mg/L No
20777 Highland D (53) 0 0 — —
20812 Glen Echo D (53) 0 0 — —
20814 Bethesda C (65) 0 0 0.0044 mg/L No
20815 Chevy Chase D (45) 0 0 — —
20816 Bethesda C (65) 0 0 0.0044 mg/L No
20817 Bethesda C (60) 0 0 0.0044 mg/L No
20818 Cabin John D (45) 0 0 — —
20832 Olney D (53) 0 0 — —
20833 Brookeville D (53) 0 0 — —
20838 Barnesville C (66) 0 0 — —
20839 Beallsville D (40) 0 0 — —
20841 Boyds B (73) 0 0 — —
20842 Dickerson D (45) 0 0 — —
20850 Rockville D (53) 0 0 — —
20851 Rockville D (53) 0 0 — —
20852 Rockville D (45) 0 0 — —
20853 Rockville D (45) 0 0 — —
20854 Potomac F (35) 0 0 0.034 mg/L Yes
20855 Derwood D (53) 0 0 — —
20860 Sandy Spring D (53) 0 0 — —
20861 Ashton D (53) 0 0 — —
20862 Brinklow D (40) 0 0 — —
20866 Burtonsville D (53) 0 0 — —
20868 Spencerville D (40) 0 0 — —
20872 Damascus B (73) 0 0 — —
20874 Germantown D (45) 0 0 — —
20876 Germantown D (53) 0 0 — —
20877 Gaithersburg D (53) 0 0 — —
20878 Gaithersburg D (45) 0 0 — —
20879 Gaithersburg D (53) 0 0 — —
20880 Washington Grove D (40) 0 0 — —
20882 Gaithersburg D (53) 0 0 — —
20886 Montgomery Village D (53) 0 0 — —
20889 Bethesda C (66) 0 0 0.0044 mg/L No
20892 Bethesda C (66) 0 0 0.0044 mg/L No
20894 Bethesda C (66) 0 0 0.0044 mg/L No
20895 Kensington D (45) 0 0 — —
20896 Garrett Park D (53) 0 0 — —
20899 Gaithersburg D (40) 0 0 — —
20901 Silver Spring C (57) 0 0 — —
20902 Silver Spring D (52) 0 0 — —
20903 Silver Spring C (62) 0 0 — —
20904 Silver Spring C (57) 0 0 — —
20905 Silver Spring C (62) 0 0 — —
20906 Silver Spring D (52) 0 0 — —
20910 Silver Spring C (57) 0 0 — —
20912 Takoma Park D (53) 0 0 — —
21797 Woodbine D (53) 0 0 — —

Water Systems Serving This District

Water System Population Served Source ZIP Codes
WASHINGTON SUBURBAN SANITARY COMMISSION 1,900,000 Surface water 20705, 20707, 20812 +44 more
New Design - Frederick County 74,911 Surface water 20842, 21771
Town of Mount Airy 9,890 Groundwater 21771, 21797
Town of Poolesville 6,005 Surface water 20837, 20839, 20841, 20842
Knolls of Windsor 1,553 Surface water 20871
FAIRLAND CROSSING APARTMENTS 1,248 Surface water 20705, 20832, 20833 +15 more
LUTHERAN VILLAGE AT MILLER'S GRANT 315 Surface water 20777
Pheasant Ridge Estates 300 Groundwater 21771

13 water systems total serve this district.

Lead Risk Assessment

Lead risk: HIGH. 1 ZIP code in this district exceed the EPA lead action level of 0.015 mg/L.

Infrastructure Risk Factors

Risk Factor District Average Why It Matters
Housing built before 1986 62.3% Lead solder was used in plumbing until 1986
Housing built before 1950 11.9% Lead pipes were common before 1950
Lead service line probability 19.8% Estimated chance of lead pipes connecting homes to water mains
Average lead level (90th pctl) 0.0063 mg/L EPA action level: 0.015 mg/L
Highest measured lead level 0.034 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

2 health-based contaminants have triggered violations in this district: Stage 2 DBP Rule, Contaminant 0700.
Contaminant Category Total Violations Health-Based ZIPs Affected
Stage 2 DBP Rule Treatment Technique 4 Yes 2
Contaminant 0700 Other 3 Yes 1
Lead Inorganic 2 No 2
Nickel Inorganic 2 No 2
Stage 1 DBP Rule Treatment Technique 2 No 2
Lead and Copper Rule Treatment Technique 1 No 1
Surface Water Treatment Rule Treatment Technique 1 No 1
Consumer Confidence Report Rule Reporting 1 No 1

Most Recent Violations

  • Violation in ZIP 20871 (Unknown date) — Unresolved
  • Violation in ZIP 20871 (Unknown date) — Unresolved
  • Violation in ZIP 20871 (Unknown date) — Unresolved
  • Violation in ZIP 20871 (Unknown date) — Unresolved
  • Violation in ZIP 20871 (Unknown date) — Unresolved

Is the Water Safe at Montgomery County Public Schools Schools?

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

  • Water systems in this district have recorded 4 health-based violations. These violations indicate contaminant levels that may pose health risks.
  • 1 ZIP code have lead levels exceeding the EPA action level of 0.015 mg/L. Lead is especially dangerous for children.
  • PFAS ("forever chemicals") have been detected in 44 of 53 ZIP codes. Some PFAS levels exceed EPA maximum contaminant levels.
  • 62.3% of buildings in this district predate 1986, increasing the risk of lead in school plumbing.
  • 4 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 Montgomery 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 4 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. Consider a water filter for your home - NSF/ANSI 53 or NSF/ANSI 58 (reverse osmosis) filters are certified to remove lead. This is especially important for infant formula preparation.
  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 Montgomery County Public Schools schools?

Water systems serving Montgomery County Public Schools have recorded 4 health-based violations in the past 5 years, and 1 area exceeds the EPA lead action level. 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 Montgomery 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 Montgomery County Public Schools water?

Yes, PFAS have been detected in 44 of 53 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). Lead Exceeds EPA Limit at Montgomery County Public Schools (MD). https://zipcheckup.com/schools/montgomery-county-public-schools-md/
BibTeX 
@misc{zipcheckup-schools-montgomery-county-public-schools-md,
  author = {{ZipCheckup}},
  title  = {{Lead Exceeds EPA Limit at Montgomery County Public Schools (MD)}},
  year   = {2026},
  url    = {https://zipcheckup.com/schools/montgomery-county-public-schools-md/}
}

Data as of July 2026.

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