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To address these residential water concerns in Howard County, a water characterization service was developed by students of Centennial High School (C.H.S) and W.R. Grace, our business partner. This service is called "SAFE H2O," (Student Advocates for Environmental Water). The purpose is to assay residential water in our community for certain characteristics, to inform users of possible contaminants, and to educate citizens about healthy water.

SAFE H2O is an innovative project, providing our students with experience in a science-oriented, small business environment. It gives students an opportunity to apply knowledge attained in earth science, environmental science, chemistry, and computer science. After the initial startup period, our model business will become self-sustaining.

The goals of this business include developing student science and technology skills, providing students an opportunity to learn and apply business skills, and involving students, teachers, and Centennial's business partners in the project.

SAFE H2O conducts five separate water quality characterization assays during the testing process. They include tests for pH, hardness, chlorine, copper, and chemical oxygen demand (COD). A tax-deductible ten dollar donation covers the cost of all seven tests. More about these tests

After testing is completed, participants will be notified of their residential water characteristics and will be provided with an explanation of the tests.

The results from these tests are only indicators. The procedure used to test each water sample meets EPA standards. The SAFE Water project is not licensed professionally; therefore, the results from the water sample should be viewed only as an indication of a need for further professional testing. Official testing should be completed by a certified/licensed laboratory. SAFE Water, Centennial High School, and W.R. Grace cannot and will not claim that the results from the test are official and will not be held responsible for any misinterpretation of the results.

Throughout the school year, the business will provide for the school community educational articles in the school's newsletter, separate informative pamphlets, and educational seminars featuring guest speakers.

W.R. Grace, a partner in education with Centennial High School, will provide financial and consulting support for the project. Employees of Grace, Walter Dutton, Karl Plumlee, Robert Coelho, and Don Chin will provide technical and managerial support. Proceeds from donations for this service will be used to repay W.R. Grace for its investment in this project.

The proposed schedule plans for project setup and organization in the fall of 1999: Marketing and sales will start in March of 2000. Water assays will follow shortly thereafter, with a projected initial run of 150 residential water samples.

Future plans include adding specialized assays and developing a surface lead assay (paint chips) in connection with the lead water test.

In summary, SAFE H2O is an ambitious endeavor of cooperation between Centennial High School and W.R. Grace. It establishes a community water characterization project, thus allowing students to have a real world experience. The C.H.S. community thanks W.R. Grace for its support in the development of this student business.