Lead Exceeds EPA Limit at Montgomery County Public Schools (MD)
53 ZIP codes · 13 water systems · 87,438,148 people served · Updated 2026-06-26
Data: EPA SDWIS, NCES Last verified: 2026-06-26
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 | — |
PFAS Contamination
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
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 | — | — |
What Parents Can Do
- 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.
- Review the Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) — Your water utility publishes this annually. It details all detected contaminants.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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).
- 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 FilterFree 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
- Water quality: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS)
- Lead/copper: EPA Lead and Copper Rule sampling data
- School districts: NCES EDGE Geographic Relationship Files
- PFAS: EPA ECHO
- Radon: EPA Map of Radon Zones
Updated daily.