New report gives Maryland public schools C grade for water lead levels

SALISBURY, Md. – The optics of a recent report called Get the Lead Out are mixed for Maryland. The report done by the Maryland Public Interest Research Group, also known as PIRG, showed the state test results came back better than 27 out 32 states.

But that report came with a C grade for Maryland, showing elevated lead results in public schools across the state since 2017, including in Wicomico County.

But Wicomico County is already reacting. Thanks to a protocol they put in place last year after elevated lead levels were found at two schools.

According to a public schools spokesperson, anytime elevated levels are found they instantly replace the faulty water fixtures and then re-test.

“I feel really safe with our school system drinking water. The fact that we’ve been proactive and testing it and making sure the outlets are usable,” said Paul Butler, communications director for Wicomico County Public Schools.

And parents and locals are recognizing the county’s efforts, including Richard Tatum, whose grandchild attends Pittsville Elementary, one of the schools affected.

“They shut the water system down, and they did a fix to it immediately,” said Tatum.

But the county isn’t done yet. House Bill 1253 would lower the Maryland state limit to 5 parts of lead per billion, down from the current limit of 20 parts per billion.

And according to the county they’re already shooting for that goal.

This is the second edition of this study, Get The Lead Out from the organization Maryland PIRG.

The full report also shows what Maryland’s General Assembly is doing to protect students, and what more needs to be done.