Two Harford County schools — Fallston High and Harford Technical High — are encouraging students to avoid drinking the water after officials detected concerning levels of PFAS chemicals.

The district sent a letter to families on Aug. 13 noting that the schools have concerning levels of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, also known as PFAS.

“Some schools, including our school, have tested positive at a level that [Maryland Department of the Environment] has strongly recommended we ensure no one drinks the water from the well,” Harford County schools said in the letter.

PFAS are a class of manmade chemicals that are resistant to grease, oil, water and heat. PFAS can be found in groundwater and consequently feed into water wells.

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Harford County school district says PFAS have been used in many products since the 1940s, including:

  • Cleaning products
  • Water-resistant fabrics such as rain jackets, umbrellas and tents
  • Grease-resistant paper
  • Nonstick cookware
  • Personal care products such as shampoo, dental floss, nail polish and eye makeup
  • Stain-resistant coatings on carpets, upholstery and other fabrics
  • Fire-fighting foams

“As a result of the EPA regulation, the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) began proactively testing water wells in our schools,” Harford County schools said in the letter. “While the EPA does not require action until 2027, we will be informing families at the schools who have wells that the MDE reports tested positive.”

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