HCC Water Safety Update

Dear HCC Community,  

We are writing to provide you with updates on the Baltimore City water contamination notice and water boiling advisory addressed by the Howard County Health Department last week. You can read that response here. 

 Key facts from the notice include:

• Howard County’s water supply comes from Baltimore City. 
• Low levels of Cryptosporidium found in Druid Lake Reservoir which serves Baltimore City and portions of Baltimore County and Harford County. 
• The microorganisms are very low-risk but can cause gastrointestinal problems to individuals who are immunocompromised or have weakened immune systems. 
• HCC is not part of the impacted area or contamination zone.  

Howard Community College is not in the geographic area covered by the county's health notice (click here for the interactive map) but has taken precautionary steps to align with county impact guidance.  

HCC MITIGATION EFFORTS 

• Campus water filtration systems have been reviewed and maintain their efficacy in removing potential microbes.  
• There are posted notices at all entrances which will remain in place until the drinking water advisory has been lifted. 
• Facilities will monitor the Howard County utility website, join daily calls with the Howard County Health Department, and participate in routine checks with the Howard County Department of Public Works.

The health and safety of all students, employees and guests is the college’s top priority. We will continue to update the campus community on new information and mitigation efforts as recommendations are provided by the county health department and reviewed by HCC’s environmental health officials.