Dear Marriotts Ridge community,

Providing a safe and healthy learning environment is our top priority at Marriotts Ridge High. The Howard County Public School System (HCPSS) has been testing all schools for the presence of lead in school drinking water in compliance with a 2018 state regulation requiring testing in all Maryland schools. The lead testing complements HCPSS’ Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ) program, which proactively maintains proper indoor environments.

While science has not established a safe level of lead exposure, the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) recommends water outlets be taken out of service if the lead level exceeds 5 parts per billion (ppb). A recent update to the state regulation reduced the lead action level from 20 ppb to 5 ppb. As a result, remedial action must now be taken on 2 water outlets that tested at between 5–20 ppb on October 2019 at Marriotts Ridge High.

When a water outlet is found to exceed the 5 ppb level, the outlet is closed immediately, and remedial actions are planned. Appropriate remedial actions can include evaluating the cause, and replacing the necessary fixture or plumbing. Students and staff will see the water outlet shut down while this work is completed.

Please find the attached mrhs final 2021 new action level notice.pdf  for more details. Test results can also be found on the HCPSS website, and a link to results will be added to our school website. I will send a follow up notification via email after all remedial actions are complete.

For more information, contact Christopher Madden, Certified Industrial Hygienist/IEQ Manager, at christopher_madden@hcpss.org.

Tammy Goldeisen