September 28, 2023 For Immediate Release
Today, the Baltimore City Department of Public Works (DPW) has shared that low levels of the microscopic parasite Cryptosporidium, a microorganism commonly found in lakes and rivers, were present during a routine Druid Lake Reservoir test. Cryptosporidium can potentially cause gastrointestinal problems, particularly in those who are immunocompromised, elderly, or children.
You are receiving this message because your school is within or close to the impacted areas (Residents can use an Interactive Map to determine if they live in an impacted area). City Schools is ensuring students can attend school safely and without interruption.
Many campuses in City Schools in the impacted area use bottled water for drinking and cooking. Some schools in this area have meals delivered from other campuses that are outside the impacted area or use bottled water for cooking. These actions allow students to continue to attend school safely during this period. In addition, these schools have hand sanitizer available for staff and students to use for handwashing.
However, there are schools in 12 buildings in the impacted area that will transition from filtered to bottled water for drinking or cooking:
- Harford Heights Elementary (and Sharp Leadenhall E/M)
- Dorothy I. Height Elementary
- Katherine Johnson Global Academy
- W. P. Carter E/M (and Lois T. Murray E/M)
- Robert W. Coleman Elementary
- Billie Holiday Elementary
- Govans Elementary
- Northwood Elementary
- Medfield Heights Elementary
- Frederick Elementary
- Lake Clifton Park Bldg (The Reach! Partnership School )
- Robert Poole Bldg (Academy for College and Career Exploration)
Hand sanitizer will also be provided for handwashing.
Please get in touch with your school with any questions or concerns about access to bottled water. Students and staff are also encouraged to ask for bottled water if thirsty.
Thank you for being understanding.