Hampstead to improve water treatment for PFAS contamination

Hampstead is planning to improve its drinking water quality due to safety concerns regarding contamination. The Carroll County school board has agreed to let construction workers access the grounds of Hampstead Elementary School for this project. Superintendent Cynthia McCabe explained that this is a standard agreement to help upgrade the nearby water treatment plant. Facilities Director Raymond Prokop assured the school board that the construction would not disrupt school operations. He said they are taking steps to protect students from dust and dirt during playtime. They will also have safety measures to keep children away from the construction site. Construction is expected to start in June and could last until May 2027. The need for these upgrades arose after high levels of PFAS, harmful manmade chemicals, were found in Hampstead’s drinking water. In 2021, one of the town’s drinking wells was taken offline due to these concerns. The Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) found PFAS levels in Hampstead well water to be about 240 parts per trillion, which is significantly above the safe limit of 70 parts per trillion. MDE will assist the town with funding for the project, which includes grants from state and federal programs. PFAS chemicals are widely used in many everyday products and are known as “forever chemicals” because they do not break down. Research indicates they may be linked to various health issues, including high cholesterol and cancer. In Carroll County, some schools have also detected unsafe levels of PFAS, leading to the closure of drinking fountains and the provision of bottled water. Most schools receive public water, and it is the local government's responsibility to address these issues. State regulations require public water systems to reduce PFAS levels by 2029 and to monitor these levels by 2027.