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WaterSafeCheck

Baltimore, MD Tap Water Quality

Water safety reports for all 50 ZIP codes in Baltimore, Maryland

Average Score

64/100

Health Violations

100

ZIP Codes

50

High Lead Risk

20

of 50 ZIP codes

C

About Tap Water in Baltimore, MD

Water quality in Baltimore, MD is currently rated with a moderate C grade (average score: 64/100 across 50 ZIP codes). This rating indicates that while the water provided by City of Baltimore is treated and regulated, there have been notable compliance issues or contaminant detections recently. Residents should stay informed about the specific challenges affecting their local supply.

The accumulation of 100 health-based violations over the past 5 years highlights systemic challenges within Baltimore's water infrastructure. When violations occur, it means that drinking water tests revealed contaminant levels exceeding safe limits, triggering mandatory corrective actions by Maryland Department of the Environment. The city relies on surface water, which may require significant treatment upgrades to address these recurring issues.

Additionally, lead exposure risk remains a critical issue for certain neighborhoods. EPA data indicates that 20 out of 50 ZIP codes in Baltimore are rated as High or Very High risk for lead. This risk is often driven by aging homes with pre-1986 plumbing containing lead solder or service lines. Families in these areas should test their tap water and consider NSF/ANSI 53 certified filters.

⚠ Lead Risk Alert: Some ZIP codes in Baltimore are rated High or Very High for lead exposure risk based on EPA data. Search your specific ZIP code for a detailed lead level report.

Health-Based Contaminant Violations in Baltimore

EPA records indicate that the following contaminants have exceeded Safe Drinking Water Act Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs) in Baltimore water systems over the past 5 years.

Consumer Confidence Report RuleStage 2 DBP Rule

Note: The presence of a past violation does not necessarily mean current water is unsafe. Utilities are required to take corrective action. Review your Consumer Confidence Report for the latest status.

Water Quality by ZIP Code — Baltimore, MD

Click any ZIP code for the full water quality report

A
21203

Baltimore, MD

Score: 93/1002 violations
B
21240

Baltimore, MD

Score: 81/1002 violations
C
21201

Baltimore, MD

Score: 68/1002 violations
C
21205

Baltimore, MD

Score: 68/1002 violations
C
21217

Baltimore, MD

Score: 68/1002 violations
C
21298

Baltimore, MD

Score: 68/1002 violations
C
21233

Baltimore, MD

Score: 64/1002 violations
C
21235

Baltimore, MD

Score: 64/1002 violations
C
21241

Baltimore, MD

Score: 64/1002 violations
C
21250

Baltimore, MD

Score: 64/1002 violations
C
21251

Baltimore, MD

Score: 64/1002 violations
C
21260

Baltimore, MD

Score: 64/1002 violations
C
21263

Baltimore, MD

Score: 64/1002 violations
C
21264

Baltimore, MD

Score: 64/1002 violations
C
21265

Baltimore, MD

Score: 64/1002 violations
C
21268

Baltimore, MD

Score: 64/1002 violations
C
21270

Baltimore, MD

Score: 64/1002 violations
C
21273

Baltimore, MD

Score: 64/1002 violations
C
21274

Baltimore, MD

Score: 64/1002 violations
C
21275

Baltimore, MD

Score: 64/1002 violations
C
21278

Baltimore, MD

Score: 64/1002 violations
C
21279

Baltimore, MD

Score: 64/1002 violations
C
21280

Baltimore, MD

Score: 64/1002 violations
C
21281

Baltimore, MD

Score: 64/1002 violations
C
21282

Baltimore, MD

Score: 64/1002 violations
C
21283

Baltimore, MD

Score: 64/1002 violations
C
21284

Baltimore, MD

Score: 64/1002 violations
C
21285

Baltimore, MD

Score: 64/1002 violations
C
21287

Baltimore, MD

Score: 64/1002 violations
C
21288

Baltimore, MD

Score: 64/1002 violations
C
21289

Baltimore, MD

Score: 64/1002 violations
C
21290

Baltimore, MD

Score: 64/1002 violations
C
21297

Baltimore, MD

Score: 64/1002 violations
C
21202

Baltimore, MD

Score: 63/1002 violations
C
21206

Baltimore, MD

Score: 63/1002 violations
C
21210

Baltimore, MD

Score: 63/1002 violations
C
21212

Baltimore, MD

Score: 63/1002 violations
C
21213

Baltimore, MD

Score: 63/1002 violations
C
21214

Baltimore, MD

Score: 63/1002 violations
C
21216

Baltimore, MD

Score: 63/1002 violations
C
21218

Baltimore, MD

Score: 63/1002 violations
C
21223

Baltimore, MD

Score: 63/1002 violations
C
21224

Baltimore, MD

Score: 63/1002 violations
C
21239

Baltimore, MD

Score: 63/1002 violations
C
21209

Baltimore, MD

Score: 58/1002 violations
C
21211

Baltimore, MD

Score: 58/1002 violations
C
21215

Baltimore, MD

Score: 58/1002 violations
C
21229

Baltimore, MD

Score: 58/1002 violations
C
21230

Baltimore, MD

Score: 58/1002 violations
C
21231

Baltimore, MD

Score: 58/1002 violations

Frequently Asked Questions — Baltimore Water Quality

Is tap water safe to drink in Baltimore, MD?+
Tap water in Baltimore has a grade of C, indicating compliance concerns in recent years. Families with young children or pregnant women should consider using a certified NSF/ANSI 53 water filter for drinking and cooking.
What is the water quality score for Baltimore?+
The average water quality score across 50 ZIP codes in Baltimore, MD is 64/100. Scores are derived from EPA violation history, lead levels, enforcement actions, and infrastructure risk indicators. Individual ZIP codes may vary — search your specific ZIP above for a personalized report.
Does Baltimore have lead in its tap water?+
20 out of 50 ZIP codes in Baltimore are rated High or Very High for lead exposure risk. Older homes built before 1986 may have lead service lines or plumbing fixtures. Residents should run their tap for 30 seconds before use and consider a certified NSF/ANSI 53 lead filter.
How do I get the water quality report for Baltimore?+
Each ZIP code in Baltimore has a full water quality report on this site — click any ZIP code below. You can also get the annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) from your local water utility. The CCR is required to be published every year by July 1 and contains actual contaminant measurements and violation history.
Where does Baltimore's tap water come from?+
Tap water in Baltimore, MD primarily comes from surface water. Surface water systems treat water from rivers, lakes, or reservoirs using filtration, sedimentation, and disinfection before it reaches your tap.

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