Baltimore Drinking Water Quality
What's Really in Your Tap Water?
Baltimore tap water meets EPA standards, though there are a few things worth knowing. Lead levels test well below the EPA action level. PFAS chemicals were detected but are within EPA limits. There have been 20 violations recorded over the past 3 years.
Generally Safe
Minor compliance issues
Lead
Below EPA action level
EPA action level: 15 ppb
Hardness
Hardness data not available
Is Baltimore Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Baltimore tap water meets EPA health standards, but the water utility has administrative compliance issues.
10 contaminants were tested in Baltimore's water. 8 were detected — all within EPA limits.
Disinfection Byproducts — Trihalomethanes (TTHM) is at 72 ppb — 90% of the EPA limit (80 ppb). Within legal limits, but elevated.
A group of chemicals (chloroform, bromoform, and others) that form when chlorine used to disinfect water reacts with natural organic matter. According to the EPA, long-term exposure is linked to increased risk of bladder cancer and liver, kidney, and central nervous system problems.
→ An activated carbon filter (pitcher, faucet-mount, or whole-house) effectively reduces trihalomethanes.
PFAS "Forever Chemicals" — 1 PFAS compound detected, all within current EPA limits. Highest: PFPEA at 3 ppt.
Metals — 1 contaminant detected, all within EPA limits. Highest: Barium at 0.0395 ppm (2% of EPA limit).
Inorganic Chemicals — 2 contaminants detected, all within EPA limits. Highest: Fluoride at 1.17 ppm (29% of EPA limit).
The data below shows test results from 1 water utility serving 1.6M people in the Baltimore area.
Based on publicly available data from Baltimore DPW / Web Sources (2024). Water quality can vary by location, building plumbing, and over time. This assessment reflects compliance with federal EPA standards and is not medical advice.
Do I Need a Water Filter?
PFAS chemicals were detected in Baltimore water, though within current EPA limits. An activated carbon or reverse osmosis filter can further reduce PFAS exposure. Disinfection byproducts are elevated (above 75% of EPA limits). A carbon filter can help reduce these.
How Hard is Baltimore Water?
Water hardness data is not currently available for Baltimore.
Contact your local water utility for this information.
Your pipes tell a different story
The data above shows what leaves the treatment plant—not what comes out of your faucet. Old pipes, lead solder, and building plumbing can add contaminants the city never tests for. Know exactly what's in your Baltimore tap water.
Home test kits detect lead, bacteria, pesticides, and 100+ other contaminants. Results in 5-10 business days from certified labs.
Lead & Contaminants
Understanding lead levels and water quality violations in Baltimore
Lead Test Results
90th Percentile Lead Level
2.74 ppb
Baltimore lead levels are well below the EPA action level.
Regular testing is still recommended, as lead can enter water through household plumbing.
Last sampled: 2024-12-31
About Lead in Drinking Water
What is Lead in Water?
According to the EPA, lead is a toxic metal that can dissolve into drinking water from older pipes, solder, and fixtures. It's invisible, tasteless, and odorless, making testing the only way to detect it. The EPA has set an action level of 15 ppb and states there is no safe level of lead exposure.
Potential Health Effects
According to the CDC: developmental delays, learning difficulties, lower IQ, behavioral issues
According to the EPA: high blood pressure, kidney damage, reproductive issues
How to Reduce Exposure
- •Run water for 30 seconds to 2 minutes before drinking, especially in the morning
- •Use cold water for cooking and drinking (hot water dissolves more lead)
- •Install a NSF-certified filter designed to remove lead
- •Test your water, especially if your home was built before 1986
PFAS “Forever Chemicals”
PFAS detected but within current EPA limits
PFAS are synthetic chemicals that don't break down in the environment. Levels are within current EPA maximum contaminant levels.
Total Trihalomethanes (TTHM)
90% of EPA limit
Range: 28–90 ppb
Haloacetic Acids (HAA5)
90% of EPA limit
Range: 6–86 ppb
Chlorine
31% of EPA limit
Range: 0.42–1.24 ppm
Fluoride
29% of EPA limit
Range: 0.05–1.17 ppm
Other Detected Contaminants
10 contaminants detected
| Contaminant | Your Water | Limit (MCL) | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
Barium | 0.0395 ppm Range: 0.0184-0.0395 Highest value (Montebello Plants) | 2 ppm Goal: 2 ppm | Safe 2% of limit |
Fluoride | 1.17 ppm Range: 0.05-1.17 Highest value (Montebello Plants) | 4 ppm Goal: 4 ppm | Safe 29% of limit |
Nitrate | 1.7 ppm Range: 0.62-1.7 Highest value (Montebello Plants) | 10 ppm Goal: 10 ppm | Safe 17% of limit |
Total Trihalomethanes (TTHM) | 72 ppb Range: 28-90 Highest LRAA | 80 ppb | Caution 90% of limit |
Haloacetic Acids (HAA5) | 54 ppb Range: 6-86 Highest LRAA | 60 ppb | Caution 90% of limit |
Chlorine | 1.24 ppm Range: 0.42-1.24 Highest value (Montebello Plants) | 4 ppm | Safe 31% of limit |
PFPEA | 3 ppt Range: 0-3 UCMR5 - 1/12 samples detected | N/A | Safe |
PFOA | 0 ppt Range: 0-0 ND - UCMR5 - 0/12 samples detected | 4 ppt 0 | Safe |
PFOS | 0 ppt Range: 0-0 ND - UCMR5 - 0/12 samples detected | 4 ppt 0 | Safe |
PFPEA | 3 ppt Range: 0-3 UCMR5 - 1/12 samples detected | N/A | Safe |
MCL = Maximum Contaminant Level (EPA legal limit)
EPA Compliance History
Active Violations
Administrative issues pendingCurrent violations are administrative or monitoring-related. Water quality is not immediately affected, but stay informed about utility updates.
3-Year Violation Summary
20
Total Violations
0
Health-Related
20
Administrative
Health-Related Violations
Contaminant exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels. The EPA recommends considering certified filtration.
Administrative Violations
Missed testing deadlines or reporting. Does not indicate water quality issues.
Who Provides Baltimore's Water?
Utility Name
CITY OF BALTIMORE
EPA System ID (PWSID)
MD0300002
Primary Water Source
Surface Water
Population Served
1.6M
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Baltimore tap water quality
Nearby Cities in Maryland
Glen Burnie-broadneck
Moderate water
Hagerstown
Very Hard water
Crofton-odenton
Moderate water
Fort George G. Meade
Moderate water
Frederick
Moderate water
Rockville
Hard water
This data is for informational purposes only. Water quality can vary by neighborhood and building. For official reports, contact your local water utility or the EPA. Learn about our methodology
Data source: Baltimore DPW / Web Sources (2024) • View report