Words: Delanie Tucker

In early November of 2018, Centennial High School’s water was tested for lead. The tests revealed that 10 of 58 samples taken held levels above the Action Level of 20 parts per billion (ppb).

After a second look at each impacted fixture, the Howard County School Board Office of Environment determined what will be done to bring the lead levels below 20 ppb.

For 8 of the 10 water sources, the Board determined that the fixtures themselves will be replaced, as the pipes are not the source of the lead.

For the other two fixtures, a sink and a water fountain, the Office of Environment has decided to get rid of them, rather than replace them.

The water fountain, which is in the World Language planning room, is too small for most Centennial faculty to use, due to the room previously being used for Child Care and Development.

The sink is in the science and math planning room, which has another sink, so a second one is not needed.

None of the affected fixtures will be turned back on until the Office of Environment assures the water is safe.

“The fixtures are scheduled to be replaced and then retested,” Centennial Principal, Cynthia Dillon, commented. “Then we’ll know where we stand.”

For more information on the original tests, visit https://chswingspan.com/2019/01/22/office-of-environment-finds-unsafe-lead-levels-in-centennial-high-schools-water/.

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