State Del. Warren Miller wants to see proof that the well water at Howard?s schools is safe.
“I think the parents have a right to know about the water quality,” said Miller, R-District 9A.
Miller is introducing a measure requiring the Howard Board of Education to test the water for volatile organic compounds ? which are industrial or fuel-related chemicals ? at each school that uses wells and post the results on its Web site.
Miller?s frustration stems from concerns last fall that well water at Lisbon Elementary School had trace amountsof organic compounds, following a gas leak in the area in the 1980s.
School officials said the water was safe to drink, but provided staff members and students with bottled water to allay parents? concerns.
But the test results weren?t made readily available, Miller said.
The school system follows water regulations set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the Maryland Department of the Environment. Water at the eight schools that rely on wells is tested regularly for contamination, schools spokeswoman Patti Caplan said.
In the case of Lisbon, school officials have provided access to the test data whenever there was a concern, Caplan said.
The legislation, being proposed in the upcoming General Assembly, might not be necessary if a deal can be worked out, Miller said.
AT A GLANCE
The Howard County Public School System tests eight schools? well water:
» quarterly for bacteria;
» annually for nitrates;
» every three years for volatile organic compounds, synthetic organic compounds such as pesticides, and metals.
The schools using well water are Lisbon, Bushy Park, West Friendship, Dayton Oaks and Tridelphia Ridge elementary schools; Glenwood and Folly Quarter middle schools; and Glenelg High School.
Source: Howard school officials
