In preparation for a new federal regulation beginning in 2027, the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) and HCPSS proactively began water testing for PFAS (per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances) during the Summer of 2024 in our well water schools. PFAS are a series of man-made chemical compounds that persist in the environment for long periods of time. They have long been used in industry and consumer products such as nonstick cookware, waterproof clothing, and stain resistant furniture.
Current scientific research suggests that exposure to certain PFAS may lead to adverse health outcomes. However, research is still ongoing to determine how differing levels of exposure to different PFAS can lead to a variety of health effects. Because of their widespread application for decades, it is likely most people have been exposed to them during their lifetime.
In preparation for the future regulation, the Maryland Department of the Environment collected preliminary water samples from our eight well water schools. The results of that sampling event can be found below.
The final EPA rule sets “limits for five individual PFAS: PFOA, PFOS, PFNA, PFHxS, and HFPO-DA. The EPA is also setting a hazard index for two or more of four PFAS as a mixture.” These four include: PFNA, PFHxS, HFPO-DA, and PFBS.
Table I: Preliminary PFAS Well Water Sample Results Summer 2024
| Facility (Future MCL) | PFOA (4.0 ppt) | PFOS (4.0 ppt) | PFBS (N/A) | PFHxS (10.0 ppt) | PFNA (10.0 ppt) | HEPO-DA (10.0 ppt) | HI (1) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dayton Oaks ES | 1.55 | ND | ND | ND | ND | ND | 0 |
| Folly Quarter MS | 3.54 | 1.12 | ND | ND | ND | ND | 0 |
| Glenelg HS | 2.97 | 2.0 | ND | ND | ND | ND | 0 |
| Glenwood MS/Bushy Park ES | 2.12 | 5.49 | ND | ND | ND | ND | 0 |
| Lisbon ES | 8.9 | 16.4 | 2.38 | 3.04 | ND | ND | 0.31 |
| Triadelphia Ridge ES | ND | ND | ND | ND | ND | ND | 0 |
| West FrieNDship ES | 1.85 | ND | 1.26 | ND | ND | ND | 0 |
ND: None Detected
ppt: parts per trillion
MCL: Maximum Contaminant Level
Hazard index (HI): The hazard index is made up of a sum of fractions. Each fraction compares the level of PFAS measured to a health-based water concentration. More information on calculating the HI.
HCPSS is currently developing a water treatment plan to reduce PFAS concentrations at Glenwood MS, Bushy Park ES, and Lisbon ES. Confirmatory sampling will be conducted upon the installation of a selected filtration system. Confirmatory sampling data will be posted once collected. Future routine samples collected after confirmatory sampling will be included in each school’s annual Well Water Quality Report. These reports are accessible here: https://ieq.hcpss.org/facilities by clicking on the applicable facility and scrolling to the section titled “Well Water Quality Reports”
If your residence is on a private well, the MDE recommends that private well owners get their well water tested at least once a year. For additional information regarding private wells: PFAS Private Well Factsheet_March2023.pdf (maryland.gov)
For additional general PFAS information from the Howard County Health Department: https://www.howardcountymd.gov/health/pfas-and-polyfluoroalkyl-substances