As students return to classrooms this fall, Maryland officials are grappling with a concerning discovery: elevated levels of toxic PFAS chemicals in drinking water at dozens of schools and daycare centers across the state.

The Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) launched a targeted testing program in December, focusing on educational facilities served by well water. Out of 188 schools and daycares tested so far, 36 have been found to contain PFAS levels exceeding new federal safety limits.

“The safety of our children is paramount,” said MDE spokesperson Jane Smith. “We’re taking immediate action by providing bottled water to affected facilities while we work on long-term solutions.”

PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are a group of man-made chemicals used in various industries. Often called “forever chemicals” due to their persistence in the environment, PFAS have been linked to various health issues, including cancer and developmental problems in children.

The current testing initiative follows a broader survey of Maryland’s community water systems, which serve about 89% of the state’s population. That earlier effort found that 64 out of 437 water systems—approximately 15%—exceeded the newly established federal PFAS limits.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency recently set these limits at 4 parts per trillion for some PFAS compounds and 10 parts per trillion for others, reflecting growing concerns about the chemicals’ health impacts even at very low levels.

State officials emphasize that the testing program is part of a proactive approach to addressing PFAS contamination. “By identifying affected areas now, we can take swift action to protect public health and work towards permanent remediation,” Smith added.

As testing continues, parents and educators are being urged to stay informed about their local water quality. The MDE has set up a hotline for concerned citizens and promises regular updates as more test results become available.

While the discovery of PFAS in school water supplies is troubling, experts say it reflects a national issue. As awareness grows and testing becomes more widespread, similar findings are likely to emerge in other states, highlighting the need for comprehensive strategies to address PFAS contamination in drinking water sources across the country.